Things are about to get pretty toasty in Greater Akron.
A heat wave is coming.
And this is one that could break some weather records.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for northern Ohio starting in the afternoon June 22 through evening on June 24 but warns the heat is going to stick around well into next week.
Why will it get so hot in Greater Akron?
The weather service says the culprit for the extreme heat in Greater Akron will be a “strong upper-level ridge of high pressure (that) will build over the Ohio Valley” starting this weekend.
The anticipated heat wave is expected to last well into next week with highs in the 90s.
When will the heat wave arrive in Greater Akron?
The rain and storms that caused thousands of power outages and flooding across northern Ohio have moved out.
And the heat is about to move in.
The weather service says high temperatures in the 80s are expected Friday and Saturday.
Things start to really hot on Sunday and the extreme heat sticks around through at least June 24.
But temperatures in the 90s are possible through June 26.
How hot is going to get in Greater Akron?
Forecasters say high temperatures will soar to the mid 90s on June 22 with little if any relief in sight.
The high temperature June 22 in Greater Akron is expected to be 95 with forecast highs June 23 and June 24 at 96 degrees.
The so-called real feel temperatures during this heat wave are expected to approach 100 to 105 degrees.
Some relief, albeit minor, is expected June 25 when the threat of showers and storms return to the forecast, but highs will still be in the 90s through at least June 26
Will this heat wave break Akron weather records?
The typical highs in Greater Akron this time of year are in the low 80s.
The weather service says the expected heat wave could set some record highs in Ohio cities.
The all-time hottest June 22 in Akron was set in 1988 when it hit 98 degrees.
The record high on June 23 is 94 degrees set in 1923.
The record high on June 24 was 95 degrees also set in 1923.
The hottest temperature ever in June days in Akron, according to weather records, is 100 degrees set on June 25 in 1988 and June 26 in 1952.
What impact will this heat wave have on Greater Akron?
The weather service warns heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion could increase “significantly” in Greater Akron because of the combination of extreme heat and potential high humidity.
Residents at greatest risk are those who work outdoors or participate in outdoor activities.
What makes this particular heat wave more dangerous, the weather service says, is the fact it will extend over several days with little relief overnight with expected lows in the mid 70s.
What should residents do to prepare for the heat wave?
The weather service suggests limiting strenuous outdoor activities during the heat wave.
Residents should do the following:
Where can I get cool in Akron?
The city of Akron has already announced that it will extend its hours at the Summit Lake Community Center starting Sunday, June 22, through Tuesday, June 24, to provide a place for residents to keep cool.
The center at 380 W. Crosier St. will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on those days.
Most other Akron city community centers are closed on Sunday but will be open during normal business hours on Monday and Tuesday.
Pool, splash pads in Greater Akron
The city of Akron and other local communities offer pools and splash pads for residents and kids to cool off and play.
Akron’s public pool and splash pads are now open for the season. Perkins Woods Pool (899 Diagonal Road) is open Monday through Saturday from 1 to 7 p.m.
The splash pads at Joy Park (825 Fuller St.), Firestone Park (1480 Girard St.), Patterson Park (800 Patterson Ave.) and Elizabeth Park (68 East Lods St.) are open daily from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
The Water Works Family Aquatic Center (2025 Munroe Falls Ave) in Cuyahoga Falls is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Splash pads are located in downtown Cuyahoga Falls (next to the Downtown Amphitheater), Indian Mountain Park and at Quirk Cultural Center.
Wading pools located at Lions Park, Oak Park and Linden Park are open daily.
The Central Park Splash Pad at 1795 Steese Road in Green is open daily.
What’s the Greater Akron weather forecast?
Friday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 84. West wind 6 to 9 mph.
Friday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming southeast in the evening.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 8 to 14 mph.
Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. South wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 95. Southwest wind around 10 mph.
Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 96.
Monday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 96.
Tuesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Wednesday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Akron weather hourly
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This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Weather Alert: Extreme Heat Watch issued in Greater Akron. How hot will it get?
Reporting by Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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