How To Prepare As Things Heat Up Outside
It may not be summer yet,but things are heating up across the country.
Parts of the Dakotas are expected to hit the 90s this weekend for the first time this year,passing that significant hot weather benchmark before parts of the Deep South – Atlanta,for example,has only gotten as hot as 87 degrees.
(MORE:Here's When The First 90s Of The Year Usually Happen)
And while this weekend is far from a normal forecast for cities in the Upper Midwest (highs are going to be 30 degrees above average),it is a sign that consistently hot days are on the horizon.
What to expect from 2025: 2025 is already off to a warm start and is on track to potentially become Earth’s second hottest year on record.
The next few months are expected to trend above average as well for the majority of the country (with the exception of the Upper Midwest),according to the Climate Prediction Center.
(192-hours:Further beef up your forecast with our detailed,hour-by-hour breakdown for the next 8 days – only available on our Premium Pro experience.)
Extreme heat can also drive threats like wildfires and drought conditions,which are also expected to be above average this year.
The National Interagency Fire Center is warning of above average wildland fire potential across multiple regions for the next several months (May through August) this year,including the Southeast,Southern Plains,West Coast and northern Rockies.
How To Stay Safe In Summer Months
Even though hot weather happens every year,it can pose a major threat that should not be ignored. Extreme heat is the number one weather-related killer and causes hundreds of deaths in the U.S. each year.
Since Mother Nature is giving the signs that more and more hot weather is on the way,now is a good time to refresh yourself on how to stay safe during extreme heat,whether it’s a heat wave or typical temperatures for the season.
Set your body up for success by building good habits when it comes to hydration and nutrition. If you get into the habit of hydrating regularly now,it makes it easier for you to continue once the temperatures get consistently hot later in the year.
(MORE:Preparing For The Upcoming Heat Wave:What You Need To Know)
Also make sure that you are paying attention to the forecast and heeding warnings of incoming excessive heat from local National Weather Service offices so that you can adjust plans or make short-term preparations if needed.
There are also some steps you can take if you live in a region impacted by wildfires. Stock up on supplies (medications,food,etc.) in case the air in your area is hazardous due to wildfire smoke. Know how to get alerts for fires and air quality in advance,and have an evacuation plan in case of emergency.
Sara Tonks is a content meteorologist with www.weathernow24.com and has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Georgia Tech in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences along with a master’s degree from Unity Environmental University in Marine Science.
