Heat wave scorches Central Ohio as summer begins
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In typical Ohio fashion, the weather pendulum has swung toward a major heat wave ushering in our first week of summer.
Why it matters: Extreme heat is the top weather-related cause of death in the U.S. It's especially dangerous for older adults, children and people with medical conditions.
- The first scorcher of the year is typically the most jarring, as our bodies aren't yet acclimated to the high temperatures — and that's especially relevant this year, following an unusually cool, rainy spring.
Driving the news: A "very strong area of high pressure" developed over the weekend and has spread across the Midwest and Northeast, explains meteorologist Steve Hrebenach with the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
- That dome of heat and humidity will stay in place through at least mid-week, keeping Central Ohio temperatures in the high 90s.
- It'll likely feel over 100 degrees when accounting for the humidity.
Flashback: We've reported this summer has a 33% chance of being hotter than average in most of Ohio, according to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center.
Threat level: The high temperatures forecasted for today and tomorrow in Columbus will be approaching records for those dates (96°F and 97°F, respectively).
Stay safe: If you need a place to stay cool, five air-conditioned Columbus recreation centers will extend their hours until 9pm starting tomorrow, and libraries are also an option. View a map.
- Also starting tomorrow, Columbus pools will be open 1-8pm and waiving admission, but they do have capacity limits. Free spraygrounds will be open later, too, until 8pm.
- COTA is suspending fares through tomorrow.
- LifeCare Alliance gives away box fans every summer to people in need.
What's next: Temperatures are expected to drop a little bit in the latter half of the week, when some thunderstorms are possible. But it'll still remain very hot for the rest of June.
The bottom line: In the meantime, people should "take precautions and take it seriously," Hrebenach tells Axios.