Dangerous heat conditions predicted across southern US
For the southern half of the US, the National Weather Service is predicting dangerous heat and oppressive conditions will continue for the rest of the week and into next week.
Widespread excessive heat watches and warnings along with heat advisories are already in place across southern Nevada, southern California and eastern Arizona.
Parts of Oklahoma and Texas have also been issued with excessive heat warnings.
Key events
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood emergency across various regions in Arkansas including Stamps, Buckner and extreme north-east Lafayette county.
“Radar estimates 8-10 inches of rainfall have already fallen, and 2-4 inches of additional rainfall are possible,” the NWS said.
FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for For Stamps, Buckner and Extreme Northeast Lafayette County in SW Arkansas.
Multiple roads have been reported as impassible. Flooding is occurring inside
buildings in Stamps.Between 8-12 inches of rain had fallen Between Hope & Magnolia.#ARwx #Flood pic.twitter.com/ZH7gtktbst
— StormHQ (@StormHQwx) July 12, 2023
The Grand Canyon National Park Service has warned drivers to adhere to speed limits and watch out for deer and elk as they and other wildlife seek shade amid the scorching heatwave in Arizona.
Temperatures in the state are expected to climb steadily this week and will probably reach 117F on Saturday.
The Excessive Heat Warning Continues! With high temperatures on the South Rim reaching 92°F (33°C) you may notice wildlife seeking out shade. When driving, stay within the posted speed limits and watch for deer and elk by the side of the road. (7/3/2023) #AZWX #Arizona #Hot pic.twitter.com/lHJz4QZUXU
— Grand Canyon NPS (@GrandCanyonNPS) July 4, 2023
The National Weather Service in New Orleans has warned of scattered storms that are expected to deliver flash flooding in the area later today.
Rainfall is expected to reach 2 to 5 inches per hour (or more at times), with the potential flash floods likely to take place mainly from late morning through the evening hours.
Meanwhile, a heat advisory has been put in place across all of south-eastern Louisiana from 10am to 8pm today.
👋 Happy Wednesday! For today, focus will be on scattered storms developing later that could deliver localized flash flooding. Use caution when traveling & don’t cross water covered roads! Outside of the storms, it’ll be hot! A Heat Advisory is in effect 10AM – 8PM. #lawx #mswx pic.twitter.com/dV7CqJyerj
— NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans) July 12, 2023
Firefighters in East Moline, Illinois, have devised a crafty way to help residents stay cool amid the intense heatwave.
In a video posted on Twitter, firefighters are shown spraying a hose on to a field of residents as they run around to cool off.
Here’s more on the dangerous heat situation in Texas. The National Weather Service is warning that the Houston area could see temperatures of about 113F today, urging people to stay safe and limit outdoor activity:
Dangerous heat is expected today with Heat Advisories (Heat index > 108°F) and Excessive Heat Warnings (Heat index > 113°F) issued for the region.
Remember:
🥤Stay Hydrated
🏃Limit Strenuous Activity
🚙Look before you Lock#HOUwx #CLLwx #GLSwx #TXwx pic.twitter.com/mDOy8l7rRQ— NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) July 12, 2023
NBC5 meterologist Ben Frechette is also reporting this morning that the situation in Vermont is easing off:
While southern states are sweltering, there are severe thunderstorm warnings along the Nebraska/Iowa border:
Happening now: The severe thunderstorm watch has been extended to include Omaha and portions of I-80 in Iowa.
Scattered gusts to 70 mph are expected, along with hail over the size of golf balls. #IAwx #NEwx #SDwx pic.twitter.com/ub82QwoKwK
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) July 12, 2023
Drone footage shows extent of disaster in Montpelier, Vermont
A state of emergency had been declared in Vermont on Tuesday after torrential rain caused severe flooding across the US state.
The capital, Montpelier, had been cut off from the rest of the state after main roads were damaged by the extreme weather. Footage shared online showed floodwaters reaching the windows of some buildings in downtown Montpelier.
Drone footage shows how disastrous the flooding in Montpelier has been:
The National Weather service’s flood warning for portions of Vermont will expire at 10.30am ET.
No more flooding is expected for parts of central, northeast, northwest, and southern Vermont,
including the following counties:
-
in central Vermont: Addison, Orange and Washington.
-
in northeast Vermont: Caledonia, Essex and
Orleans. -
in northwest Vermont: Chittenden, Franklin and Lamoille.
-
in southern Vermont: Windsor.
The NWS also said heavy rain had ended across the region but light rain may persist
into early this afternoon. No new flooding is expected, but existing floodwaters may be slow to recede.
Residents were advised to follow existing road closures.
Parts of Florida get heat warning as rainy season starts dry
Dangerous heat is also expected to persist in parts of Florida in what is a hot and dry start to the state’s rainy season.
The Weather Channel is reporting that temperatures will be above average for the next few days – and dew points well into the 70s will mean it will feel very humid.
The National Weather Service has issued heat alerts for large parts of southern Florida and the Panhandle, with temperatures of around 105F expected.
People were urged to stay inside, drink plenty of fluids and avoid exercise.
Dangerous heat conditions predicted across southern US
For the southern half of the US, the National Weather Service is predicting dangerous heat and oppressive conditions will continue for the rest of the week and into next week.
Widespread excessive heat watches and warnings along with heat advisories are already in place across southern Nevada, southern California and eastern Arizona.
Parts of Oklahoma and Texas have also been issued with excessive heat warnings.
Good morning and welcome to our extreme weather blog, following the latest updates on flooding and heatwaves continuing to plague areas across the US.
In Vermont, where extreme flooding led to over 100 rescues according to reports, there were warnings that a dam near the state capital of Montpelier was dangerously close to capacity. Overnight, water levels appeared to have stabilised. However, local officials warned residents to stay vigilant as more rain was expected later this week.
While the US northeast was deluged, record-breaking heat is baking the US south-west this week, putting millions under extreme heat warnings as temperatures upwards of 100F (38C) hit Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and southern California.
Even desert residents accustomed to scorching summers are feeling the relentless grip of the heat. Phoenix, which hit a 12th consecutive day of 110F on Tuesday, could see its longest ever heatwave.
We’ll bring you the latest news from the extreme weather across the US.
