Southern US to feel like middle of summer as record heat builds into Monday

Southern US to feel like middle of summer as record heat builds into Monday

Record-challenging heat will make it feel like the middle of summer across the southern United States through the weekend.

Dry conditions and plenty of sunshine will stretch from eastern Texas to Georgia into Monday as an area of high pressure settles over the region.

"In fact, record highs may be challenged in several locations, such as Dallas, Houston and Shreveport, Louisiana, just to name a few," AccuWeather Meteorologist Ryan Adamson said.

Several record highs were tied or broken across the south on Thursday. In Vero Beach, Florida, the high temperature of 97 broke the old Sept. 5 record of 96 set back in 1996. New Orleans tied its record of 97; the last time the city hit 97 on Sept. 5 was in 2000.

More records fell on Friday from Texas to Florida, including in New Orleans and Miami.

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A look at some of the daily record highs that were broken on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019.

Sweltering heat will spread farther north across the Southeast into early week in the wake of Hurricane Dorian.

Temperatures across much of the area will climb into the middle to upper 90s F each afternoon, while farther west in Louisiana and eastern Texas, highs are expected to peak near 100 F.

Normal highs for the beginning of September across this region range from the middle 80s to lower 90s.

It will feel even hotter across the region as AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures reach above 100 F. It may even feel as hot as 110 F away from the coast.

Sunday RealFeels 9.7pm

Those along the Southeast coast left without power in the wake of Dorian will need to take extra precautions during the heat, such as drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and taking frequent breaks in the shade during strenuous activity. These precautions will also need to be taken by anyone spending time outdoors.

The core of the heat is expected to shift northward and eastward during the early part of this week.

Atlanta is likely to challenge record highs set in 1925 on Monday and Tuesday as temperatures soar into the upper 90s. Nashville may come close to its daily record of 99 set in 1887 on Tuesday.

Download the free AccuWeather app to keep track of temperature trends in your area. Keep checking back for updates on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.

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