Extreme heat and thunderstorms may affect 4th of July plans in the metro-east
Belleville and the surrounding metro-east area is expected to see extreme heat continue Saturday, with a possibility of lightning and heavy downpours affecting local fireworks shows.
Heat index values may reach 100 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit Saturday afternoon, Matt Beitscher, lead meteorologist with the National Weather Service St. Louis office, told the News-Democrat Thursday morning. The extreme heat warning previously set to expire at 10 p.m. Friday was extended through 8 p.m. Saturday.
“We are going to see that extreme heat continue on pretty much through the July 4th holiday,” Beitscher said.
Thunderstorms also possible
There’s a 20 to 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms in Belleville from Thursday through Sunday, with the greatest chances after 1 p.m. Saturday, according to the NWS forecast.
Afternoon thunderstorms typically can last into the early evening, and the likelihood of evening storms will depend on how quickly the storms can dissipate after sunset, Beitscher said.
“It probably will affect some people’s plans,” Beitscher said. “Where those thunderstorms occur, there’s going to be lightning, there’s going to be heavy downpours, gusty winds, so people just need to be cognizant of the weather and pay attention to any warnings that are issued.”
After several consecutive days of an extreme heat warning, forecasters expect more normal temperatures and heat index values for July to return early next week.
Safety tips: heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke
When spending time outdoors in the heat, Beitscher said it is important to stay hydrated, wear loose-fitting clothing, wear light colors and to take a break in the shade when needed.
“Listen to your body. The signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke are pretty evident,” Beitscher said.
Signs of heat exhaustion include sweating profusely and getting a little disoriented, while heat stroke presents itself when you’re so dehydrated you stop sweating and you become dizzy and nearly unable to stand, he added.
Belleville weather forecast
Here’s Belleville’s forecast for the holiday weekend and beyond, from the NWS:
- Thursday: Temperatures from 77 to 95 degrees, with heat index values as high as 110. Extreme heat warning in effect, with a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. and before 8 p.m.
- Friday: Temperatures from 76 to 96 degrees, with heat index values as high as 109 and an extreme heat warning. A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m.
- Saturday, Independence Day: Temperatures from 75 to 95 degrees, with heat index values potentially reaching 100 to 105 and an extreme heat warning until 8 p.m. There’s a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m., with a 30% chance at night.
- Sunday: Slight relief from the extreme heat is expected, with temperatures from around 73 to 93 degrees. There’s a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m.
- Monday: Temperatures from 72 to 91 degrees, with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
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