Dangerous Heat Possible Later This Week

Dangerous heat will make a return to West Michigan later this week on Wednesday, Thursday, and possibly persisting into the weekend as temperatures soar into the 90s and dew points push near-record values in the low to mid 70s.

These temperature and humidity values will combine to create dangerously hot conditions with heat index values exceeding 100°F increasingly likely. When it gets that hot, the risk for health-related impacts, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, increases exponentially.

Thursday currently appears to be the most concerning day with widespread "Major" impacts denoted on the NWS/CDC Heat Risk. A "Major" heat-related-impact event means that this level of heat affects everyone without adequate cooling and/or hydration, and that some health care systems (hospitals, urgent cares, etc), heat-sensitive industries (construction, lawn care, etc), and infrastructre (power grids) may experience impacts like power outages, work site delays or cancellations, or ER diverts.

A Heat Advisory will likely be needed for our entire area on Wednesday and Thursday, and an additional Heat Advisory may be needed for areas along and south of the I-94 corridor for Friday and perhaps into the weekend. Remember, a Heat Advisory is issued when actual temperatures or heat indices could reach 100°F or higher in the next 12-24 hours.

The time to prepare for the potentially dangerous heat is now!

Reschedule outdoor activities like yard work, landscaping, sporting events, beach trips, etc.
Make plans to remain indoors, in the A/C, as much as possible and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure.,
If you do not have access to A/C, you should begin looking for local cooling shelters. If you do, it's a good idea to have a plan in case you lose power or you're A/C goes down. Many times during heat waves, there are strong thunderstorms that could knock out power or an increased demand on the electrical grid, which can cause blackouts.,
Have a plan to check on your friends, neighbors, and relatives. Especially those who are considered "vulnerable" to the extreme heat.,
Have a plan to stay well hydrated and wear loose-fitting clothing.,
Remain alert for future forecast updates, and possible warnings and advisories from the National Weather Service!

"It's summer! It's supposed to be hot!" That's all well and good, but did you know, extreme heat CONTINUES to be the #1 cause of weather-related DEATHS in Michigan and in the US every year!?

It's true, according to NOAA, heat was the #1 cause of weather-related fatalities in the US in 2024 and has been for the last 30+ years!

So, for those of you who are just batting an eye at the messaging about the extreme heat, we hope this gives you just a little bit of an inside look at why we get so worried about the heat when we start to see heat indices over 95°F and that maybe, just maybe, you can help protect yourself and those around you by staying cool, hydrated, and checking on those you care for!