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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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A heat map from the National Weather Service (NWS) shows that on Wednesday more than half of the U.S. was experiencing minor impacts from unseasonably high temperatures, with roughly a dozen states affected more strongly.
High heat has plagued much of the southern U.S. this spring, with summer-like temperatures felt across Texas, Louisiana and Florida multiple times this month. This week, the high heat has spread throughout the Midwest and into the East Coast. For example, temperatures were about 11 degrees above average for New York City on Wednesday. Boston was experiencing temperatures about 17 degrees above average.
The NWS HeatRisk index, a map that provides a forecast of heat-related impacts over the next 24 hours, showed that the most severe heat-related impacts were expected in southern Texas, prompting NWS offices in the region to issue a heat advisory.
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"This level of rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Impacts likely in most health systems, heat-sensitive industries and infrastructure," NWS HeatRisk said of the extreme impacts.
The heat index in the Brownsville area was expected to reach 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat advisory was set to expire at 7 p.m. local time.
"Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events," the warning said. "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives, neighbors, workers, and the elderly."
The advisory also suggested wearing lightweight and loose clothing, limiting exercise and taking action if one notices the symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
"Death is possible to unprepared people and pets," the warning said.
Southern Texas won't see a respite from the heat anytime soon. NWS meteorologist Garrett Irish told Newsweek that the temperatures are on the rise through the weekend and into next week. Temperatures in the Brownsville region are at least 10 degrees above average.
Much of the rest of the state was experiencing either "moderate" or "major" impacts from the heat. Louisiana was experiencing mostly moderate impacts, as was Florida, with a small pocket of major impacts felt in Naples in Southwest Florida.
Moderate heat-related impacts also were affecting several states in the Northeast, including Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and New York. The moderate category on the index is when the heat mostly impacts sensitive individuals. Major impacts affect anyone without proper cooling and hydration.
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