Overview:
-Detroit hit 94 degrees Sunday. The record high for June 22 is 98 degrees, set in 1988.
-A cold front is expected to provide relief beginning Tuesday evening, says National Weather Service meteorologist.
-A phenomenon known as a heat dome is responsible for the extreme temperatures.
Metro Detroit residents are weathering a multiday stretch of high heat and humidity, with daily high temperatures in the upper 90s that feel like more than 100 degrees across most of the region.
An extreme heat warning announced by the National Weather Service remains in effect across Genesee, Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties through Tuesday evening. From there, residents around Southeast Michigan can expect a cold front to offer relief from the heat, said Alex Manion, a NWS meteorologist.
“We normally see temperatures in the low 80s for this time of year. 82 degrees is the normal value,” said Manion. “Yesterday (Sunday), we hit a temperature of 94 degrees.”
The record high for June 22 is 98 degrees, he added, set in 1988.
Detroit’s heat index is projected to reach 104 degrees over the course of Monday due to high temperatures and humidity. The heat index measures how the temperature feels to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.
Heat dome to blame for miserable Detroit temps
Tens of millions of people across the Midwest and East endured dangerously hot temperatures over the weekend, and a sprawling June heat wave that gripped much of the U.S. is expected to last well into this week.
Meteorologists say a phenomenon known as a heat dome, a large area of high pressure in the upper atmosphere that traps heat and humidity, is responsible for the extreme temperatures.
Extreme heat warnings, in which local heat indices reach at least 105 degrees, generally occur one or two times every other year, according to Manion. When it does happen, he added, it typically doesn’t last longer than two days in climates like Michigan.
“Three days is not unheard of, but we don’t typically last longer than three days for these events,” said Manion. “Looking at the bigger picture, especially across the Midwest and across the country, we’ve been seeing more and longer duration of heat waves.”
Extreme heat brings severe medical risks
Over the last few days, state and local officials advised Michigan residents to protect themselves from heat exposure, limit time outside, stay hydrated and look out for vulnerable relatives and community members, including children, those with chronic illnesses, older adults, and people who are pregnant.
When temperatures get high, the body’s ability to cool itself down via sweating can become exhausted, experts warn, raising the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Jason Vieder, vice chairman of emergency medicine for Henry Ford Health, said the hospital system’s emergency centers have just started to see patients coming in with some sort of heat-related illness, although he said numbers do not appear higher than usual.
“It’s not a lot yet, usually we have to have some protracted length of time before we really start to see a lot of people come in,” said Vieder, who oversees emergency centers across the Detroit suburbs like Dearborn, Grosse Pointe Farms, and West Bloomfield Township.
Henry Ford Health officials shared a fact sheet about heat-related illnesses to providers and staff Monday morning, reminding clinicians what symptoms to observe and look for, Vieder added.
“There are different (severities) of heat illnesses,” he said, highlighting the range of symptoms between heat exhaustion, where a person might experience dizziness, sweating, or nausea, and heat stroke, where someone may be disoriented, have a high body temperature, or have dry skin.
“We try to let people know, once you get behind the eight ball and you’re already feeling signs and symptoms of dehydration or heat illness, you’re already a step behind,” Vieder said.
Above all, Vieder encourages people to use their own discretion about visiting their nearest emergency department.
“No one knows your body better than you. You are the expert,” said Vieder. “If someone is not feeling well, I’d much rather they seek out medical attention than wait and potentially put themself in a dangerous spot.”
MORE EXTREME HEAT COVERAGE
Detroit cooling centers open for residents during heat wave
As temperatures soar into the 90s, Detroit’s recreation centers and libraries offer cooling spaces for residents.
Detroit faces dangerous heat wave, with temps in high 90s forecast in days ahead
A heat dome is set to envelop the U.S., bringing oppressive temperatures and humidity to millions. Detroit braces for highs up to 97°F.
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How to keep cool in extreme heat
In Detroit, 13 recreation centers are open for residents looking to beat the heat during the extreme heat warning. Three recreation centers — Patton, Heilmann, and Northwest Activities — extended their hours this week, running from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Other locations, such as the Detroit Public Library branches or Eastside Community Network’s Stoudamire Wellness Hub, are additionally open to the public during normal operating hours.
The Michigan Department of Health And Human Services offers these safety tips to make it through extreme heat:
- Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol.
- Limit outdoor activities to when it is coolest in the morning and evening.
- Spend time indoors in air conditioning.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects a body’s ability to cool down.
- Check on older neighbors and relatives to determine if they need assistance.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.