Why this week’s ‘stubborn’ heatwave could linger over Kentucky a bit longer
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Persistent heat dome traps hot air over Kentucky, pushing indexes above 100°F
- Forecasters expect mid-90s highs and 75°F lows to persist in Lexington through the weekend
- Cold front may arrive by Independence Day to lower temperatures slightly
Heat advisories are in effect across Kentucky as a stubborn heat dome settles over the eastern half of the country. It’s expected to push heat index values well into the triple digits this week and possibly next, the National Weather Service projects.
Essentially, a persistent area of high atmospheric pressure is trapping warm, stagnant air close to the ground, like a heat-insulating blanket. Despite some chances of cooling rain for central Kentucky later this week, Kyle Wilkins of the NWS office in Louisville isn’t optimistic.
“These things can be stubborn,” the meteorologist told the Herald-Leader.
Speaking by phone Monday, Wilkins anticipated extending the heat advisory currently in effect for central Kentucky. It was initially set to expire Tuesday, June 24 at 8 p.m. EDT and warned of heat index values up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wilkins noted other weather service stations in and around Kentucky have either expanded or extended their heat advisories this week. The agency’s Paducah office, for example, has a heat advisory in effect for western Kentucky until Friday, June 27. Daily values between 100 and 107 degrees are possible.
Under these conditions, heat stress can quickly set in for people exerting themselves outside, such as construction workers. So forecasters also warn it’s important to know the signs of heat stroke and exhaustion and to take action when they appear.
When is this heat wave going to end in Kentucky?
It’s difficult to say with certainty, but it could stick around, even beyond this week.
In central Kentucky, temperature highs are forecast to linger in the mid-90s until at least Thursday, June 26, and it won’t get much cooler by the weekend. The Bluegrass isn’t expected to get much relief during the nights either with warm lows hovering around 75 degrees.
There’s a 60% chance of rain for the Lexington area Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29, but warm air can hold a significant amount of moisture as water vapor. The air’s capacity to do so roughly doubles with every 20 degree increase in temperature, according to the University of Kentucky.
Generally, to disrupt heat dome patterns like this, you need a big cold front to move into the region, Wilkins said.
“Until you get something to push it out of the way, it’s pretty resilient,” he said.
WKYT Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey described the week ahead as “super steamy” in a Monday forecast. He was also tracking a cold front that could disrupt this oppressive heat next week around Independence Day.
“That should knock our temps down to comfy levels in the days leading up to the 4th,” Bailey wrote in the Kentucky Weather Center post. “Actual temps may be below normal for a few days… Below normal in July is still warm, but pretty darn nice!”
What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is one of several types of heat-related illness, and left untreated, it can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke is life-threatening and occurs when the body’s internal temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
The symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Weakness
Irritability
Thirst
Excessive sweating
Elevated body temperature
Decreased urine output
Adequate water, rest and shade help prevent heat exhaustion, but for those experiencing it, the CDC recommends the following:
Remove the person from the heat and give them liquids, encourage frequent sips of cool water
Take them to a clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment. If that’s not immediately available, call 911
Stay with the person until help arrives
Remove unnecessary clothing, such as a shoes and socks
Cool the person with cold compresses or have them wash their head, face and neck with cool water
Wilkins encouraged Kentuckians to check on their neighbors during the heatwave.
Infants and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to heat stroke.
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