“A strong westerly, downsloping wind is just the mechanism needed to send temperatures into the 100s…”

Many residents from southeast Virginia through southern Georgia will experience a brief period of extreme heat Sunday and Monday with high temperatures around the century mark.

High temperatures both Sunday and Monday afternoons are expected to reach or exceed the 100 degree mark from Richmond, Va. to Charlotte, N.C. and Columbia, S.C.

Add in the humidity and it will feel like 110-115 degrees during the afternoon hours.

Culprit Behind the Heat

A series of weak storm systems will impact much of the eastern part of the country the next few days with multiple low pressure areas moving through the mid-Atlantic.

With these storms passing by to the north, westerly flow will become enhanced across the Southeast.

As the air flows over the Appalachian Mountains and then down into the piedmont regions, it warms at a rate of about 5.5 degrees fahrenheit per 1,000 feet of descent.

Therefore, that warmer and somewhat drier air sends temperatures soaring across the region to the east of the mountains.

This is a phenomenon known as “downsloping” and is very common across the country at anytime of year.

During the summer months, a strong westerly, downsloping wind is just the mechanism needed to send temperatures into the 100s for Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia.

Unlike the persistent dry weather across Texas, this brief period of extreme temperatures will be accompanied by the threat for showers and thunderstorms.

Though not expected to be widespread, a weak front will cross through the Southeast on Sunday and with some heating, could result in a few showers and cooling thunderstorms.

At this point there appears to be less of a chance for precipitation on Monday and that could certainly be the hottest day of the upcoming week for many locations in the Southeast.

Heat Safety Tips

The best way to beat the heat is to stay indoors in air conditioning. Many people venture to places like shopping malls and libraries with air conditioning if they do not have air conditioning at home.

If you do go outdoors, where a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes and of course sunscreen.

Drink plenty of water, and as mentioned before avoid alcoholic beverages.

Avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially during the hottest hours of the afternoon.