WEST MICHIGAN — FOX 17 has issued Weather Ready Alerts for parts of this week as another heat wave begins. Some places, including Grand Rapids, saw the hottest day of not just this past year, but the last 15 years on Tuesday.
This stretch of hot, humid, and dry weather is due to a strong ridge of high pressure anchored over the central United States. We call this a "heat dome" because all areas underneath the ridge get trapped inside with the heat and humidity.
The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory for all of West Michigan through 8PM this evening, due to heat indices around 100-104.
The Heat
The worst of the heat continues today, before a slight cooldown happens starting Thursday. Temperatures will climb into the upper 90s again this afternoon. With the increased humidity levels compared to Tuesday, heat indices will be a bit higher. Make sure you are staying cool and hydrated!
Humidity levels will also stay elevated through the week. Dew points will hover in the upper 60s to lower 70s. This will make the heat feel even worse with heat index values approaching or exceeding 100 degrees at times today.
Make sure you're following these tips to help keep yourself safe during the heat:
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water
- Limit outdoor activities, especially in the afternoons
- Stay indoors with air conditioning and fans
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
- Don't leave children/pets in vehicles
- Check on your friends, family members, or neighbors that may be more vulnerable to the heat
What makes this heat wave different from the last?
Thinking back to the last week of June through the first few days of July, we experienced our first heat wave of the season. During this time, temperatures soared into the 90s, while tropical-like dew points in the 70s drove heat index values into the triple digits for multiple days in a row.
The good news is that this heat wave isn't going to be as bad in terms of the humidity, because we will be a bit farther away from the center of the high this time compared to last. However, it will still be very toasty and humid.
Rain
Parts of West Michigan have not seen any appreciable rainfall since July 4 and there is very little coming this week. Rain chances will return by late week and through the upcoming weekend, which is great because we can definitely use the rain. This will also help knock temperatures back into the 80s.
Want alerts when inconvenient or severe weather is headed your way? Download the FOX 17 Weather app and set up notifications for where you live.
For the latest details on the weather in West Michigan, head to the FOX 17 Weather page.
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