MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Heat and humidity is in full force in the Mid-South. Temperatures are running 10 to 12 degrees above normal and there looks to be little relief in sight. For the year so far, the Mid-South is already 2 degrees warmer than the warmest year on record.
The dog days of summer have arrived about a month and a half early. High temperatures will climb near 90 degrees over the next week all thanks to a stubborn weather pattern across the U.S.
NWS Meteorologist Bill Borghoff says, "We've had a persistent ridge of high pressure over the southeastern U.S. and the storm track has consequently been shifted north. So, we've been very dry and very warm for the past couple months and that trend looks to continue into early summer."
The outlook looks toasty for the summer months and experts remind residents to hydrate, especially when you are outdoors in the heat.
"When it's humid, your body can't evaporate the sweat," says Borghoff. "So, it's very important to drink plenty of fluids when highs get into the 90's."
If you plan to be outside, avoid the peak heating hours of the day between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
