Dangerous heat surge: Heat dome expands, first heat wave alert for the Northeast

DANGEROUS AND INTENSE HEAT WAVE

Businesses in the Northeast are bracing for scorching temperatures, as the New York City could see its first heat wave of the year. It’s much of the same for businesses in the Southwest and the southern Plains who continue to deal with the intense and dangerous heat wave from the large heat dome over the southwestern states. Phoenix has had temperatures soar to above 110 degrees for 24 consecutive days. The recent heat is also increasing wildfire risks across portions of the West. 

This week the heat dome's influence will extend into the central and northern Plains, bringing intense and dangerous heat with temperatures to rise 5-15 degrees above historical averages.

Later in the week, Northeast businesses should prepare for extreme heat with temperatures soaring into the 90s. Many cities along the Interstate 95 corridor, including New York City, will be impacted.

With such extreme temperatures, it's crucial for businesses to prioritize the safety of their employees and take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Certain industries like construction and landscaping, which involve outdoor work, are especially susceptible. It is vital for businesses to adopt heat safety protocols, ensure adequate hydration, and schedule breaks in shaded areas whenever possible.

>>READ MORE: Extreme Heat: How it can impact your business

Extreme heat also can impact businesses in the following ways:

• Reduced Workforce Productivity: High temperatures can decrease productivity as employees struggle to concentrate and perform physical tasks efficiently.
• Increased Cooling Costs: Businesses may face higher cooling costs as they try to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures for employees and customers during heat waves.
• Equipment Failure: Intense heat can cause equipment malfunctions and breakdowns, leading to costly repairs and operational disruptions.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Extreme heat can affect the transportation and distribution of goods, leading to delays in the supply chain and potential shortages of essential products.

The exclusive AccuWeather HeatWave Counter and Severity Index™ measures heat waves by duration and intensity. Heat waves are defined as three or more days in which the temperature exceeds a threshold that varies with each location's climate. In New York City and Philadelphia, this threshold is set at 90 degrees. The severity depends on the duration of the heat wave and how much the temperature exceeds the threshold.

>>READ MORE: AccuWeather introduces new index to better assess the impacts of heat waves

The year's first heat wave for New York City is expected from Thursday, July 27, to Saturday, July 29. This three-day heat wave is expected to have an AccuWeather HeatWave Severity Index™ of 4, which makes it a moderate heat wave.

New York City Scale: Moderate=3-10; Strong=11-18; Severe=19-26; Extreme=27 and above

The year's second heat wave in Philadelphia is expected from Wednesday, July 26, to Saturday, July 29. This four-day heat wave is forecast to have an AccuWeather HeatWave Severity Index™ of 9, which makes it a moderate heat wave.

Philadelphia Scale: Moderate=3-12; Strong=13-22; Severe=23-32; Extreme=33 and above.

How AccuWeather For Business can help

Extreme heat can lead to intense heat waves that can impact energy demand, consumer buying behavior, labor scheduling and other essential tasks you manage every day. AccuWeather For Business uses enhanced techniques to produce a single historical, current and predicted weather data database to help your business achieve long-term strategic success.

Is your business prepared for the dangers of extreme heat? AccuWeather for Business's Historical Data can help your business win against Mother Nature. Download a free sample today!