Upstate New York is poised to experience a heat wave beginning this Sunday, bringing with it record temperatures coupled with exceptionally high humidity levels.
Meteorologists predict that the combination of heat and humidity will create dangerously uncomfortable conditions, with the heat index potentially feeling like 100 degrees or more.
Nighttime temperatures are also anticipated to remain elevated, which will hinder the ability of residents and buildings to cool off during the night.
As detailed by the National Weather Service, much of Upstate New York, including Syracuse, is facing an ‘extreme’ risk regarding the impacts of this heat wave.
Jake Chapulsky, a weather service meteorologist, highlighted the abrupt transition to this hot weather after a relatively cool and wet spring.
According to Chapulsky, “It’s a big, big flip of the switch.
It’s a little more jarring because we really haven’t had any warm days for people to kind of get acclimated.”
Forecasts indicate that temperatures will surge into the 90s spanning from Sunday through Tuesday, which aligns with the official definition of a heat wave in the Central New York region.
On Monday, Syracuse is expected to hit a high of 97 degrees, surpassing the historical record of 92 degrees set on June 23.
Since record-keeping began 122 years ago, Syracuse has only experienced one day reaching 97 degrees in June.
Tuesday’s forecast suggests a high of 94 degrees, which would also break a record for that date.
Adding to the discomfort is the predicted humidity, which may resemble that of a tropical jungle.
The dewpoint is expected to rise to 75 degrees during this heat wave, which Chapulsky noted is quite unusual.
“Usually we’re in the 60s, and maybe we’ll touch the low 70s,” he stated.
The combination of high temperatures and humidity will likely elevate the heat index to 100 degrees or higher, complicating the body’s efforts to cool down by evaporating sweat from the skin.
Humidity exacerbates the situation by retaining heat in the air overnight.
The ongoing heat and humidity will place all of Upstate New York in either major or extreme risk categories according to a new heat risk index created by the National Weather Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
On Sunday, Syracuse will experience ‘severe’ risk, escalating to ‘extreme’ on both Monday and Tuesday.
‘Extreme’ is classified as ‘rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief affecting anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.’
With nighttime temperatures expected to stay in the 70s, much-needed relief from the heat will be limited.
Chapulsky emphasized, “The big thing is it doesn’t cool off overnight.
That’s where we start to get into problems where people don’t have access to air conditioning.”
The impending heat wave is attributed to a powerful high-pressure system known as a heat dome, advancing from the Southeast into the Northeast this weekend while drawing moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.
In response to the challenging weather conditions, at least one school district has proactively decided to keep students out of classrooms during the peak heat.
East Syracuse-Minoa schools have announced they will hold half-days on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
image source from：syracuse
