A severe heat wave is expected to affect the southern United States, expanding into an "oppressive heat dome" that will bring temperatures of 90-110°F (32-43°C) to the central US. This heat wave, caused by a high-pressure system, will also lead to droughts, severe weather, and an increased threat of a land-falling major hurricane.
The heat dome will sit over the central US, causing a massive heat wave, while the northeastern US will experience recurring systems of colder air, leading to strong storms. The western states will see Pacific moisture, potentially bringing heavy rain and flash flooding.
The Atlantic hurricane season is expected to awaken, with a high chance of tropical system development in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast of Africa. Hurricane Hillary is also expected to become a major hurricane off the coast of Mexico, bringing heavy rain and flash flooding to California.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to prepare for extreme weather conditions, including heat, drought, and potential hurricanes.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. A heat wave is building up across the southern U.S. and is expected to expand into an oppressive heat dome.
2. The heat wave is forecast to break records and become as strong as a high-pressure system can possibly get in this climate.
3. Most of the extremely hot air will be aloft, but some of it will make it to the ground, causing an all-out heat wave in the nation's midsection.
4. The heat wave is expected to last for 5-7 days in certain regions and may be followed by another round of heat.
5. The heat dome will cause droughts, severe weather, and an increased threat for a land-falling major hurricane.
6. The jet stream will be arced across the country, allowing the heat dome to build up underneath.
7. The northeastern U.S. will be outside of the heat dome and may experience recurring systems diving in from the Northwest out of Canada.
8. These systems may bring strong winds and heavy rain, potentially leading to flash flooding and mudslides.
9. Pacific moisture will be attracted into the western states, potentially bringing heavy rain and flash flooding.
10. The Gulf of Mexico has higher-than-average sea surface temperatures, making it more likely for a hurricane to form and intensify.
11. The National Hurricane Center is highlighting a 20% chance of development in the Gulf of Mexico over the next seven days.
12. There are two areas of interest off the coast of Africa, each carrying a 50% chance of developing into a tropical system over the next seven days.
13. Hurricane Hillary is expected to become a major hurricane off the coast of Mexico and bring leftover moisture into California.
14. Rain is expected to start breaking out in California as early as Saturday, with heavier rain and flash flooding problems expected on Sunday and Monday.
15. The remnants of Hurricane Hillary may cause dangerous flooding and mudslides in places like Las Vegas, San Diego, and Los Angeles.