Fresh Snow and Temperature Outlook Ahead of Christmas Day

If you are looking for fresh snow by Christmas morning or are curious about potential travel disruptions, the best chances for at least 1" of new snowfall early this week exist across the mountainous West, Great Lakes, and Northeast. Otherwise, temperatures this last full week of December will average above normal for much of the lower 48 states. Read More >

Extreme Heat Forecasts

These forecasts are organized from longer term outlooks, at the top, to near term forecasts at the bottom.

Extreme Heat Safety and Preparedness

Prepare and protect: visit heat.gov
Today's Maximum Wet Bulb Globe Temperature
Days 3 to 7 Heat Index Outlooks
CDC Heat and Health Tracker
Stay ahead of the heat with these 6 forecast tools
UV Index Forecasts
Heat Index Climatology
Weekly heat reports from the NC DHHS
The National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) is a one-stop shop for heat safety information and heat-related hazards
Building Heat Resiliency (from NIHHIS)
OSHA Heat Protection Actions
NWS Heat Danger Awareness page gives details on NWS products, safety, and symptoms of heat illnesses
Leaving any people or pets in a closed vehicle on a warm day can quickly become deadly. Get informed about the dangers of leaving children in hot cars
Our heat danger awareness poster (pdf format) is also available in Spanish
KidsandCars.org has tips for keeping kids safe
Information on the dangers of leaving animals in hot cars
EPA's heat events guidebook has tips for dealing with excessive heat
A study published in the journal Pediatrics discusses heat stroke deaths of children in vehicles
Read about Operation Fan / Heat Relief, an effort to assist the elderly in North Carolina
Information on wet bulb globe temperature, from the Korey Stringer Institute at UConn
Historic Heat Waves in the Carolinas (from NWS Wilmington, NC)

On average, extreme heat has killed more people in the last 10 years than any other weather phenomena. Remember these tips for staying safe in extreme heat:

Hydrate. Whether you feel thirsty or not, drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated, especially when you're working or exercising outside.
Educate yourself. Keep up with the latest temperature and heat index forecasts and current readings (take actions to stay cool and safe when the temperatures hits 85 degrees or the heat index hits 90 degrees). Know the warning signs of a heat illness, and how you can stay cool.
Act quickly when a heat illness is suspected. Seek medical attention immediately for any of these warning signs: cramping, rapid pulse, heavy sweating, hot red skin, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting.
Take it easy. Anyone working or exercising outdoors should avoid overexertion, especially between the hours of 11 am and 6 pm. Take hourly breaks in the shade or in air conditioning.