Heat Wave Expands to the East Coast; Flash Flooding Likely in the Central Plains into the Midwest; Severe Thunderstorms in the Northeast

Dangerous, prolonged heat is ongoing in the Mid-South to Mid-Mississippi Valley and heat expands into the Northeast for a brief period today. Widely scattered instances of flash flooding due to heavy rains are forecast from northeast Kansas to much of Indiana. Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across parts of New England, northern Mid-Atlantic, and North Dakota. Read More >

Overview

Fast Facts:

Northern Illinois and northwest Indiana were at the northern end of a dome of heat, with highs on July 19-20 reaching into the mid 90s in most communities.
High moisture also moved into the area with dew points reaching 75° to 80°, which combined with the temperatures brought heat index values well over 100° during the two afternoons.
The humid air kept temperatures from dropping much at all at night, especially in the urban areas.
Rockford tied an all-time record for a daily minimum temperature, with a low only of 80° on July 19.

Maximum Heat Indices and Temperatures During the Hot Stretch

Rockford Record

All-Time Record High Minimum Temperature Tied at Rockford, IL

Observation History at Rockford, IL

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Heat Wave Expands to the East Coast; Flash Flooding Likely in the Central Plains into the Midwest; Severe Thunderstorms in the Northeast

July 19-20, 2019: Heat Episode, Including Rockford Tying All-Time Record High Minimum Temperature