Oak Hill, WV (WOAY-TV): The hottest days this summer will roast the region Thursday through Saturday. How common are 90-degree days?
Chief Meteorologist Chad Merrill has the full story:
Thursday through Saturday will see highs 90-92 degrees. Heat indices will reach 94 degrees. The only exceptions will be elevations above 2,500 feet where highs will be near 86 degrees and heat indices near 90 degrees.
How common is this magnitude of heat? Beckley has frequently reached 90 degrees in recent times. As a matter of fact, of the top 10 warmest days on record in Beckley, 7 of them occurred since 2000.
Lewisburg is in the same boat with seven out of the top 10 hottest days occurring in the last two decades.
Bluefield is a different story. Only four out of the last 10 years had highs in the 90s. The late 90s were the hottest in Bluefield.
While Heat Advisories will be posted west of our region along I-79 and east of our region along I-81, it’s important to remember the first heat wave of the season (loosely defined as three consecutive days with the high temperature at or above 90 degrees) takes the biggest toll on the body.
Follow common sense knowledge such as constantly hydrating with water, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and avoid strenuous outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., the traditional hottest hours of the day.
Check on the elderly and seek air conditioning if possible.
Chad’s latest 7-Day Forecast:
