High pressure bringing heat to Houston is also affecting the nation’s largest river valley

Mississippi river valley heat wave.

What is high pressure?

A high-pressure system is just as it sounds: a weather system in which the air pressure is higher than normal.

As a result, instead of air rising, which would occur with a low pressure, air sinks and warms up. That’s why we’ve been seeing these hotter temperatures in Houston the past couple of days. However, we aren’t the only ones seeing the heat.

A high-pressure causes air to compress and warm creating a heat dome.

Heat alerts across the Mississippi Valley

As we know, in Houston on Monday, we saw our hottest day of the year at 98 degrees. Some areas east of us could see similar temperatures, prompting heat alerts.

The Mississippi River Valley will be seeing the bulk of these hot temperatures with Extreme Heat Warnings lining both sides of the river. Other areas will also see the heat, with many of the surrounding areas under Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat watches.

Heat warnings across the Middle of the country with the hottest areas near the Mississippi River

Staying cool

As some temperatures could reach the upper 90s with heat indices in the triple digits, it’s important to stay cool. Here are some ways to stay cool:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Make sure your AC is working
  • When outdoors, find shade
  • Limit strenuous activity to morning and evening hours
Daily high temperatures across the US

We will continue to keep you updated on the heat as well as some possible relief this weekend.

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