Meteorologist: No relief from heat wave in Valley until next week

Jun. 20—The persistent heat wave that has smothered the Valley most of this week will continue through this weekend, with only a chance of relief early next week, according to an AccuWeather meteorologist.

"This heat wave is so broad in scope that it reaches from the Great Lakes and Ohio into the northeast and Canada," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines said.

No Valley temperatures this week have been all-time highs, Kines said.

"The Valley has averaged in the low-90s and I would expect that not to change until next week. An all-time high would have to top 96 degrees," he said.

The U.S. National Weather Service's heat advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday. It warns that hot temperatures with heat index values up to 101 may cause heat illnesses.

"Check up on relatives and neighbors, and provide pets with adequate water and shelter from the sun," the services said in its alert. "To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments."

AccuWeather has a "real feel" formula based on temperature, humidity, and wind speed. This entire week the real feel has topped 100, "and that will continue," Kines said. Temperatures will only drop into the low-70s at night this week.

"On average, when you see a temperature in the low-90s, add about five degrees to get the 'real feel,'" Kines said.

Relief next week will be temporary, according to AccuWeather's latest model.

"We may see some leveling off in the mid-80s for a day or two," Kines said. "But we are now in a pattern where this relief will be followed by hot weather."

There is a chance for scattered thunderstorms this weekend, which could break the heatwave.

"But not for long," Kines said. "My best advice is to stay hydrated."