Millions of Americans are unlikely to see much relief anytime soon due to the continuation of the massive flooding from last Sunday and the record-breaking heat. Meanwhile, extensive storms in New England might result in another day of flash flooding, strong gusts, and tornadoes.
Heatwave changes its emphasis
For over 15 million people, the National Weather Service has issued a heat warning, the highest level of alarm. The heat index will dip into the low 100s due to high humidity, but the temperature should stay in the upper 90s. Overnight, there won't be much of a break, as lows are anticipated to be in the mid-70s.
On Saturday, record-breaking high temperatures were registered in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Sunday is expected to bring more high temperatures. Meteorologist Marc Chenard of the Weather Service reports that "we continue to experience a prolonged heat wave across parts of the Ohio Valley and into the Northeast." "Some relief is expected early in the week, particularly in the eastern U.S. and Northeast, but overall, above-normal temperatures will persist across much of the country into next week." Experts claim that last year saw the most heat waves to hit the United States since 1936.
The probability of persistently heavy rain persists.
A cyclone that is heading eastward on Sunday could bring heavy rains from New England to the mid-Atlantic region, including the Tennessee and Upper Ohio Valleys. A warning was released by the National Weather Service, indicating that flash floods may occur in some areas and that these storms may bring downpours exceeding two inches of rain per hour. Forecasters said that conditions in New England are ripe for catastrophic winds and the potential for tornadoes. "It's an uncommon combination of factors for Vermont and northern New York to create a tornado threat," Boyd said. Meanwhile, the Upper Midwest is at risk of severe storms with large hail and destructive gusts, according to a warning issued by the National Weather Service on Monday.
The area is still recovering from severe storms and flooding that compelled thousands of people to flee to South Dakota and Iowa. Mayor Kevin Van Otterloo of Rock Valley, Iowa, announced on Saturday that a state aircraft that had been dispatched to assist the stranded citizens was withdrawn once boats were able to reach them. Van Otterloo remarked, "This place has seen a lot of rain." "Last night, it rained four inches in approximately an hour and a half. The amount that our planet can absorb is limited." Governor Kim Reynolds declared 21 northern Iowan counties, including Sioux County in Rock Valley, to be in a state of disaster. The local sheriff's drone footage revealed streets that were completely submerged, with only the tops of trees and houses showing above the water.