The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) is continuing to caution people of "dangerously high temperatures" across much of the mid-Atlantic Saturday, the morning after four people died in severe storms triggered by the heat wave.
"An excessive heat warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur," the National Weather Service said Saturday. "The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely."
This is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) standard excessive heat warning, issued to cities in Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Florida, Kentucky, Alabama, Ohio, Illinois, Georgia, New Jersey, Missouri, Arizona and the District of Columbia.
Five people have been confirmed dead from the heat wave across the United States, including a two-year-old in North Carolina and three people in Virginia.
Friday night, an additional four people were killed and millions left without power after a powerful thunderstorm triggered by the heat ripped through much of the mid-Atlantic including DC, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The storm, classified as a 'derecho,' is defined as "a widespread, long-lived wind storm that is associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms" by the NWS. These storms are usually seen only in the Midwest.
Derechos often occur along stationary fronts where the most intense heat and humidity can be found. The derechos experienced across the mid-Atlantic Friday night knocked out power to over 2 million people.
In and around the capital, where the worst of the storm was felt, two people were confirmed dead due to flying debris from the heavy winds and rain. A 90-year old women asleep at home and a man in his car were the victims. Two cousins who were camping in New Jersey were also killed.
According to the Washington Post, 1.2 million customers in the DC area are still without power Saturday on what the NWS is saying will prove to be another record high heat day for the month of June. Heat index values in Washington and Baltimore are said to hit 110 degrees, the NWS confirmed. Further thunderstorms are also possible across the mid-Atlantic today.
The NWS cautions residents in high heat areas to take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activity to early morning or evening. You should also wear loose clothing, drink plenty of water and take rest breaks inside an air-conditioned environment.
"Heat stroke is an emergency," the NWS warns, adding anyone experiencing acute fatigue or faintness while outside should call 911.
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