Millions of Americans are enduring a record-setting heat wave that has shifted to the Mid-Atlantic, while regions including New Mexico, Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota are grappling with catastrophic flash flooding this weekend. Here’s the latest:
Heat Wave Shifts to Mid-Atlantic
The extreme heat wave, affecting over 100 million people, will move from the Ohio Valley on Saturday to the Mid-Atlantic on Sunday. Highs across these regions are 10 to 15 degrees above average. “An intense heat wave will continue across the Mid-Atlantic, where record high temperatures are likely,” the National Weather Service said Saturday, noting numerous record-tying/breaking highs are possible. In the West, central and southern California, Arizona, and Utah could see triple-digit temperatures.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
Triple-digit heat hit Baltimore and Washington, DC, on Saturday. Washington, DC, reached 100 degrees for the first time since 2016 and for the first time this early in the summer since 2012. Baltimore hit 101 degrees, breaking the daily record of 100 degrees set in 1988. “The combination of this heat coming early in the Summer season and persisting over several days increases the level of heat stress for those without reliable air conditioning,” the weather service said.
Flooding Prompts Evacuations in Iowa
In Rock Valley, Iowa, all homes north of Highway 18 were evacuated amid high floodwaters on Saturday. Daniel Heitritter, who evacuated his neighborhood in Spencer, described the scene: “I cannot even believe what I’m seeing right now.” With water in his home reaching shin-deep, he flagged down a boat to rescue him, his wife, and their cat.
Iowa Governor Issues Disaster Proclamation
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for 21 counties in northwest Iowa on Saturday and directed all available state resources to assist communities like Rock Valley facing catastrophic flooding. Southern Wisconsin and northeastern Iowa are under a level 3 of 4 risk of excessive rainfall.
Rescues in South Dakota
In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, nine people were rescued from rising waters caused by heavy rainfall. Emergency Manager Regan Smith reported responding to five stranded drivers, 30 vehicles stalled in water, 10 calls regarding water problems, and 75 traffic accidents. Mayor Paul TenHaken signed an emergency declaration. The region has seen 6.5 to 8 inches of rain in the last 72 hours.
Emergency Flood Operations in Minnesota
Parts of Minnesota were under flood warnings Saturday night, prompting Gov. Tim Walz to declare an emergency. This allows the Minnesota National Guard to support emergency flood operations. Water in lakes Tetonka and Sakatah reached uncontrollable levels, leading to evacuations and significant property damage. “Intense rain has had catastrophic effects, leaving entire communities under feet of water,” Walz said.
New Mexico Wildfire Update
The Salt and South Fork Fires in New Mexico have burned over 24,200 acres. The South Fork Fire is 26% contained, and the Salt Fire is 7% contained. Ruidoso residents can return home on Monday but are advised to bring at least a week’s worth of food and water as grocery stores are not fully operational. Rainfall could help suppress the fires but may also cause flooding and debris flows in burn areas. The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the cause of the wildfires.
Northern New England Flooding Threat
Showers and thunderstorms are forecast from New England through the Great Lakes and into the Upper Mississippi Valley. On Sunday, storms could affect New England with a level 3 of 5 risk of severe storms covering parts of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. The region may face damaging winds, a few tornadoes, and isolated hail. A lower-level severe weather threat extends southwestward through the Mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley, and Tennessee Valley. Northern New England faces a slight risk of heavy downpours and scattered flash flooding.
The National Weather Service also warned that monsoon-like conditions could produce isolated flash flooding in the Four Corners region.