Heat wave expands across the South, Mississippi Valley

A dangerous heat wave that could exceed daily records has spread across the South, as well as north into parts of the Midwest, but there is some relief in sight.

(Current maps: Temperature | Heat index)

Here’s a look at the current situation and outlook.

Where heat alerts are in effect: The map below shows where high temperature watches, warnings and advisories issued by the National Weather Service are in effect.

These heat alerts are issued when the combination of heat and humidity poses a risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke for those who live outdoors for long periods of time or those who do not have access to air conditioning.

Take this dangerous heat seriously. Avoid any prolonged and unnecessary outdoor activity, especially during the hotter times of the day. Check on seniors and anyone else who may live without air conditioning.

(more: What is the heat index?)

Here’s what to expect: On Friday, temperatures are expected to be hotter than average from the mid-Mississippi and lower Ohio valleys south to the northern Gulf Coast. Daily record highs are possible in some locations such as Memphis, Tennessee and Shreveport, Louisiana.

The heart of the worst temperatures on Saturday will be in the south, from Georgia and northern Florida to the lower Mississippi Valley. Montgomery, Alabama, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, could flirt with daily record highs.

Temperatures from Sunday to Monday begin to drop in some areas of the south. However, it will still be as hot and humid as you would expect in this region during July.

The Texas heat wave set all-time records. This heat wave hit Texas first before spreading across the rest of the South.

It has rewritten the history books for all-time record temperatures at a handful of locations across the Lone Star State where weather observations have been made for more than 100 years. Here’s a summary.

-​ San Angelo, Texas, first tied its all-time record on June 19 (111 degrees), then broke it the next day, reaching 114 degrees. It tied its new record of 114 degrees again on June 21 and followed that up with highs of 112 degrees on Sunday and Monday.

-​ Laredo, Texas, hit 115 degrees on June 19, and it did They linked their historical record For another three years.

It has arrived 119 degrees last Friday in Rio Grande Village In Big Bend National Park. Not only were these the hottest temperatures in the country so far this year, according to weather historian Christopher Burt, but they surpassed the state record of 120 degrees.

Although an unofficial record exists, a heat index of 125 degrees on June 19 is believed to be the record The highest temperature index recorded is at Corpus Christi International Airportaccording to the National Meteorological Directorate.

Record numbers were also set in parts of Mexico last week, including the city of… Monclova In the state of Coahuila, as well as in Chihuahua stateAccording to global temperature records expert Maximiliano Herrera.

According to an analysis by Climate Central, climate change has caused record high temperatures in this heat wave in Mexico and Texas At least five times more likely.

More on Weather.COM:

The top weather killer in America is heat

Here are three signs of heat exhaustion

How to cool down quickly in dangerous heat

Five tips for saving energy during a heat wave

Temperature forecast from July to September

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment, and the importance of science in our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.