A severe heatwave is forecasted to develop across the southern US and expand across the country, leading to droughts, severe weather, and an increased threat of a major hurricane. The heatwave is expected to be particularly intense in the nation's midsection, with temperatures reaching up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The prolonged heatwave, potentially lasting 5-7 days, is also expected to intensify an ongoing drought in the Plains.
Additionally, the heat dome may attract Pacific moisture, potentially leading to flash flooding and mudslides in the western states. The Atlantic hurricane season is also expected to awaken, with two areas of interest off the coast of Africa and a 20% chance of development in the Gulf of Mexico over the next seven days.
In the Eastern Pacific, Hurricane Hillary is forecasted to become a major hurricane, bringing heavy rain and flash flooding to California. Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare for potential evacuations and stay informed through consistent updates.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. A heatwave is building up across the southern U.S. and will expand into an oppressive heat dome through the rest of the month.
2. The heatwave will cause problems such as droughts, severe weather, and an increased threat for a land-falling major hurricane.
3. A high-pressure area is forecast to grow exponentially and become as strong as a high-pressure system can possibly get in this climate.
4. The extremely hot air will be aloft, about 20,000 feet above the ground, but some of it will make it to the ground, causing a heatwave in the nation's midsection.
5. A huge area of 20-30 degrees above-average temperatures will latch onto the central U.S. starting this weekend.
6. The jet stream will be arced across the country with no big-time movements or waves, allowing the heat dome to build up underneath.
7. The heatwave will likely last for five to seven days in certain regions, and then there's potentially another round coming after that.
8. The heat dome will attract Pacific moisture into the western states, which could lead to flash flooding and mudslides.
9. The northeastern U.S. will be outside of the heat dome and will experience recurring systems diving in from the northwest out of Canada.
10. The northeastern U.S. will likely see strong storms, especially in Upstate New York and New England.
11. The heat dome will intensify the ongoing drought in the plains.
12. The Gulf of Mexico has record-high sea surface temperatures, which could fuel a major hurricane.
13. The National Hurricane Center is highlighting a 20% chance of tropical development in the Gulf of Mexico over the next seven days.
14. There are two areas of interest off the coast of Africa, both with a 50% chance of developing into a tropical system over the next seven days.
15. Hurricane Hillary is expected to become a major hurricane off the coast of Mexico and will bring heavy rain to California.
16. The Eastern Pacific Ocean is experiencing increased activity, with Hurricane Hillary and other systems developing.
17. The Atlantic hurricane season is expected to awaken from a slumber, with peak hurricane season approaching.
18. The remnants of Hurricane Hillary are expected to bring flash flooding and mudslides to California.
19. There is a small chance that Hillary could make landfall as a weak tropical storm in California, which hasn't happened since the 1930s.