Heat wave won’t budge

Jul 17, 2011 Music Info

Summer usually has its share of sticky, hot days, where relief can only be found in air-conditioned buildings or a dip in the pool. But there’s nothing typical about this week’s heat. People in most of Nebraska and Iowa and nearly a dozen other states are battling an oppressive air mass that won’t budge.That’s the unusual aspect of this heat wave, said Tom Kines, a meteorologist with Accuweather, The World-Herald’s weather consultant.If you’re looking for a day with a high of 82 and low humidity, that’s not coming any time soon.

Next Sunday is forecast to be the first break in excessive heat – and even then temperatures are expected to be hot. Next week should begin with a high near 91, followed by several days of temperatures in the mid-80s to low-90s.The area has been under a excessive heat warning since Friday. The National Weather Service expects to keep the warning in place through at least Wednesday night.A cold front could drop down from the north by Thursday, bringing with it a slight chance of thunderstorms across Nebraska and western Iowa. It also could knock down the temperature a bit – to 97 instead of near-100 degree highs through Wednesday. If that doesn’t sound miserable enough, add in high humidity to get a real feel of 105 and 110 degrees during the week’s peak highs. At night, when the mercury dips into the 70s, it still will feel like 80 degrees, Kines said.On Sunday, the overnight low of 80 tied with Omaha’s highest low on record, set on July 17, 1942.The weekend heat led to some odd happenings. In northwest Iowa, Le Mars fire officials said scorching temperatures caused smoke detectors in two homes to go off. On the other side of state, Cedar Rapids officials said a pile of rags and towels spontaneously combusted as the temperature rose inside a closed garage.Forecasters advise people to heed their warnings about the dangers of the excessive heat.If it’s only a day or two, then you can recuperate, said Jim Meyer, a meteorologist at the weather service office in Valley, Neb. But the longer it continues, it’s harder and harder on the body to deal with. According to the weather service, heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer in the United States. It claims an average of 162 lives a year.Health officials advise people to avoid strenuous activity in the heat. And to stay hydrated. The very young and very old are the most at risk for heat-related illness, though the dangerous heat can make nearly everyone miserable.The Salvation Army opened its doors for people to escape the relentless heat. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. people are welcome to cool down indoors and get a cold drink at the Salvation Army facilities at 2825 Y St., 2424 Pratt St., and 3612 Cuming St. in Omaha and 715 N. 16th St. in Council Bluffs. Donations of bottled water are needed.The Salvation Army also has free fans available for qualified individuals until Sept. 2. Applications are available at 3612 Cuming St. or call 402-898-5869 for more information. New fan donations can be dropped off at the above location.

Omaha.com video: It’s hot:

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