US Weather Alert: National Weather Service warns of 105°F heat index and poor air quality after July 4th thunderstorms | Today’s news
The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple weather advisories for several states following the severe Fourth of July storms, warning residents of dangerous heat, flooding, poor air quality and severe thunderstorms.
A heat advisory remains in effect until 8:00 PM EDT Sunday, with heat index values expected to reach 106 °F (41.1 °C) in parts of the Mid-Atlantic. Authorities also extended an extreme temperature watch for parts of Arizona and issued an air quality advisory for smoke from wildfires in Colorado.
Mid-Atlantic Heat Advisory
The National Weather Service office in Wakefield, Va., said heat index values could climb to 106°F in parts of southeastern Maryland, northeastern North Carolina and central and eastern Virginia.
The advisory remains in effect until Sunday at 8:00 PM EDT.
Officials warned that the combination of high temperatures and humidity could cause heat-related illnesses and urged residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces, avoid direct sunlight and limit strenuous outdoor activities to the early morning or evening.
Arizona under extreme heat
The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued an extreme heat watch from Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening for parts of southern Arizona.
Temperatures are forecast to range from 107°F to 111°F (42°C to 44°C) in metro Tucson, Western Pima County, South Central Pinal County, Southeast Pinal County, the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Upper Gila River Valley.
Forecasters have warned that prolonged heat can significantly increase the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, especially for people working outdoors.
Wildfire smoke requires an air quality alert
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an air quality health advisory until 9 a.m. Monday due to wildfire smoke billowing from wildfires burning in Colorado and Utah.
The advisory covers more than 20 counties, including Pueblo, Durango, Gunnison, Telluride, Leadville, Salida, Alamosa and Breckenridge.
Health officials advised residents, especially children, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions, to stay indoors if the smoke thickens and to limit outdoor activity.
Flood threat in Tennessee
Severe thunderstorms prompted the National Weather Service in Nashville to issue a flood advisory for Bedford and Marshall counties in Middle Tennessee until 12:15 a.m. CDT Sunday.
Radar showed 1 to 2 inches had already fallen in some areas, with minor flooding expected in low-lying and poor drainage locations.
Communities including Shelbyville, Lewisburg, Chapel Hill, Cornersville, Farmington, Unionville and Belfast have been identified as at-risk areas.
Officials reminded motorists to avoid driving on flooded roads, warning: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
A flood warning has been extended in Louisiana
In Louisiana, the National Weather Service in Shreveport extended a flood warning for Bodcau Bayou at Bayou Bodcau Lake, affecting Bossier and Webster parishes.
The river is forecast to crest 172 feet above flood stage Sunday afternoon and climb to nearly 175 feet by Tuesday morning. The warning remains in effect until further notice.
Residents were advised to stay away from flooded roads and riverbanks.
Strong storms hit Florida
The National Weather Service in Tallahassee also issued a special weather statement for parts of Dixie and Lafayette counties in Florida.
A strong storm moving north near Cross City was expected to produce wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour, capable of snapping tree limbs and blowing around unsecured structures.
Residents of the affected areas were advised to seek shelter indoors if outside.
Officials urge caution
The latest warnings come after powerful Fourth of July storms swept through parts of the country, leaving behind dangerous heat, localized flooding, poor air quality and unstable weather conditions.
Authorities urged residents to monitor local forecasts, heed weather advisories and take appropriate precautions as hazardous conditions continue across multiple regions.
Read also | Mamdani takes aim at Trump’s anti-immigration agenda during his 4th of July speech
