TOLEDO, Ohio — The WTOL 11 weather team issued six consecutive ALERT DAYS Monday, June 17 through Saturday, June 22, following some of the hottest weather of the early season.
Extreme heat with highs well into the middle to upper 90s lasted through the end of the week.
Several days reached the upper 90s, nearing and breaking record highs.
In addition to the high temperatures, the "feels like" temperatures, or heat index, exceeded 100 to 105 degrees or warmer most days of the week.
It is very possible that the heat will persist into the weekend and beyond.
Stay with the WTOL 11 weather team for updates as conditions develop.
Here are the three things to know:
WHEN
This heat wave was triggered Sunday as an upper-level ridge in the jet stream lifted far to the north. This brings the return of the 90-degree heat. Once this pattern is locked in, there is very little relief in sight and the heat wave will only intensify.
It is highly likely that significant to extreme heat will persist for an unusually rare long duration. Highs Monday through Friday are likely to remain in the middle and possibly the upper 90s with the heat index, the measure of what it feels like, near 100 to 104 degrees day after day.
The peak of the heat wave may arrive right around the summer solstice into Wednesday, June 19 and Thursday, June 20. There is the potential that highs may reach into the upper 90s with a heat index of 100 degrees to 104 degrees.
Along with the hot daytime weather, overnight lows will remain oppressive only falling back into the low and middle 70s, offering little relief from the heat even during the overnight hours.
IMPACT
Record or near-record heat is possible. Extreme heat and prolonged exposure can be hazardous to your health and can cause the quick onset of heat exhaustion or the more serious condition of heat stroke.
It is wise to avoid outdoor activity in the peak heating of the day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must be outdoors, take frequent breaks and extra water hydration is an absolute necessity.
Heat exhaustion can develop in some cases rapidly in just a couple of hours or over several days in longer-duration heat events. It is a good reminder that heat-related illness is the number one cause of weather-related deaths in the United States year after year.
In fact, there are more heat-related deaths in an average year than lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined. It is possible that the heat index could reach or exceed 100 degrees most days this week.
NEED
Outdoor plans will be impacted. Summer camps, sports and activities may be impacted and area pools will be very busy.
If you are not in a location that has access to air conditioning, plan ahead on where you may be able to go daily to seek comfort for some period of time.
Consider a movie theatre, museums, libraries, city pool and more. This is the time to make sure that your A/C unit is tuned up and ready to go.
Area HVAC companies are going to be swamped which may make appointments difficult to impossible. Check your air conditioning unit to make sure you are prepared.
Start a good hydration routine. Extra fluids will be necessary. Those who work outdoors will need significant increases in their fluids and a plan to see a cooler location from time to time to allow the body temperature to cool.
If you experience signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately.
