Recent weather has caused a mysterious power outage in Atlas Township, an Ortonville business to close, and heat advisories from the National Weather Service for all of southeast Michigan.
The area saw record breaking temperatures (?) on July 31, Aug. 1, and Aug. 2. Heat advisories were issued by NWS in White Lake Township, for all three days, the first ones issued this year.
Heat advisories are sent out when heat indices are expected to be between 100-110 degrees for at least three hours. A heat index is reached by using actual temperatures and adding in humidity.
NWS meteorologist David Shuler says the last time the area saw a comparable combination of heat and humidity was the summer of 2001.
‘It’s difficult to make progress through the 90s when you have dew points this high,? said Shuler. ‘Some of the years when we had 100-degree heat may not have felt as bad as this heat feels, because the humidity was lower.?
Shuler cites statistics from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration showing heat as the leading cause of weather fatalities in the United States, killing more people than hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or lightning.
The NWS advises citizens to drink plenty of fluids, especially water; stay inside in an air-conditioned environment; never leave pets in a closed or parked vehicle; if you must be outdoors, avoid midday sun and plan activities during the morning or evening hours;