Excessive heat and strong storms are forecast for this July 4

Extreme heat warning for several US states 0:47 (CNN) — This Independence Day will be all about barbecues, celebrations and outdoor living. Caution, though: There is dangerous heat in much of the midsection of the country, which can be deadly if not taken seriously. Nearly 30 million people in more than a dozen states are under a heat advisory. It ranges from the central South to the Mississippi River Valley and into parts of the Plains. Temperatures of up to 32 degrees Celsius will be recorded in many areas, with heat indexes — the “feel” of temperature when you combine actual temperature with humidity — of 38 degrees. “The combination of high temperatures and high humidity will push heat indices closer to the uncomfortable 40-43 degrees,” the Weather Prediction Center explained. A chain of high pressures remains firm in the region, which will allow warm temperatures to continue to rise throughout the week. It is summer, after all, and frankly hot temperatures are expected for many areas, but even by summer standards, it is extreme. “It’s summer in Arkansas, but it’s fair (and climatologically accurate) to say that next week will see above-normal temperatures,” the Little Rock office of the National Weather Service (NWS) wrote. Highs in Little Rock will reach 35 degrees this afternoon, but once the heat index is factored in, temperatures will approach 40 degrees. Even places as far north as Chicago are forecast to feel like 43 degrees by Tuesday as the heat builds. The heat wave will continue for much of the week, with little relief even at night. “The other danger to watch out for will be overnight low temperatures, as we may see a few consecutive nights with temperatures only falling into the upper 20s, or even the lower 26s, and not allowing for any overnight relief.” NWS office in Little Rock. Get to know curiosities about the July 4th party 1:18 The hours of the night are when our bodies recover from the heat. When nighttime temperatures don’t drop enough for our bodies to recover, heat illnesses can occur. Heat is the leading cause of death from the weather in the United States, so knowing what to do to stay cool, as well as knowing the signs of heat illness, can save your life. Independence Day Storms Be sure to check the weather this afternoon if you plan to be outdoors celebrating Independence Day. There is a risk of severe weather in parts of the Northern Plains and in the Midwest. There is a slight risk, level 2 of 5, for more than 23 million people. Places like Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Madison are included in the severe threat area. “[Un] fairly typical ring of fire pattern, with [la] threat of dangerous heat and occasional gusts of convection with an associated risk of severe weather and heavy rain/flash flooding [está en el pronóstico de hoy]”, noted the NWS office in Chicago, adding, “[No] we can rule out a few showers and scattered thunderstorms tonight during fireworks time.” A group of storms impacting the northern Plains this morning will move eastward later today and impact the Midwest and Great Lakes this afternoon and evening. The main severe threats will be hail and gusty winds, however, we cannot rule out the possibility of an isolated tornado. Storms will continue to track east and reach the northeast tomorrow. A second area to watch storms will be across portions of Montana and the western side of the Dakotas as multiple rounds of storms affect the northern part of the country Another concern with the potential for storms is the potential for significant precipitation. The NWS office in Chicago alluded to the possibility that some storms begin to train, meaning they follow the same path, l or that results in rain over the same area for an extended period of time, which can lead to flash flooding. “Although the flash flood guidance is quite high due to recent dry conditions, there is a chance that precipitation could easily meet/exceed the flash flood guidance despite recent dry weather,” the NWS warned. Chicago. The risk of emerging storms is also possible for the Southeast and Southwest this afternoon and evening.
So be sure to keep an eye on the weather conditions while you’re outside today, because Mother Nature might put on a fireworks show.