The Bloomington area will see the heat index climb above 100 degrees this afternoon, followed by potentially severe wind and heavy rain, the National Weather Service warns.
How hot will it get?
The NWS expects the temperature to rise into the low 90s, but humidity will push the heat index as high as 107 degrees this afternoon, said Joseph Nield, meteorologist with the NWS in Indianapolis.
Take precautions
Nield said this type of heat “can really sneak up on people” and he urged Hoosiers to stay in air-conditioned areas as much as possible, to take frequent breaks if they are outside and to stay well-hydrated. The NWS also urged people to check on their relatives and neighbors.
For what area has the NWS declared a heat advisory?
For a 25-county region centered on south-central Indiana, stretching from Tippecanoe County in the north to Jackson County in the south and including Monroe and all contiguous counties.
When will the storms arrive?
Nield said storms should arrive in Bloomington around 7 to 9 p.m.
What is the primary threat?
Wind speeds are projected to exceed 60 mph, with gusts as high as 80 mph in isolated areas. Nield said winds at that speed can uproot trees, fell power poles and tear shingles off roofs. He urged people to have multiple ways to stay informed, as the NWS cannot rule out tornadoes.
What about rain and flooding?
The weather system could bring heavy rain, and some locations may receive up to an inch in a short period. But Nield said forecasters expect the system to move through quickly, reducing the overall flood risk, though isolated flash flooding remains possible.
Boris Ladwig can be reached at bladwig@heraldt.com.
Bloomington weather radar
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Monroe County heat index may hit 107 before severe storms arrive
Reporting by Boris Ladwig, The Herald-Times / The Herald-Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Boris Ladwig, The Herald-Times | USA TODAY Network
