2009 South Central US heat wave

The June 2009 heat wave of the South Central United States is an ongoing heatwave that started on June 15, 2009, and is presently impacting the regions of the southern/central plains, the lower and middle Mississippi River Valleys, the lower and middle Ohio River Valley, the southeast Atlantic states, and the gulf coast states of the United States of America. Its cause is a mid and upper level ridge along with a surface high pressure cell centered in the central Gulf states near Louisiana. This has allowed very moist tropical air to ride north into much of the eastern third of the United States excluding the northern Great Lakes and much of the Northeast. Cities like New Orleans, Louisiana, Memphis, Tennessee, Little Rock, Arkansas, Montgomery, Alabama, Nashville, Tennessee, Louisville, Kentucky, Paducah, Kentucky, Springfield, Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri, Springfield, Illinois, Belleville, Illinois, Carbondale, Illinois, Evansville, Indiana, Jackson, Mississippi, Atlanta, Georgia, Savannah, Georgia, Macon, Georgia, Mobile, Alabama, Pensacola, Florida, Orlando, Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, Charleston, South Carolina, and Columbia, South Carolina. Areas along and north east of The Appalachian Mountains and North of Charlotte, North Carolina have so far not been included in the heatwave.

Severity and effects on public health

So far the heat wave is considered to be a moderately intense heatwave that as only caused minor to moderate cases of heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. No Deaths have been officially caused as of a result of the heat wave, or heat related aliments. Those most affected are those who live in large cities where the heat is included/amplified by urban heat island effect, and do not have access to air conditioning and or can't afford to run them, or know of information where cooling centers are located. As with all heat waves, mainly the elderly and small children tend to suffer worse from heat related illness, as well as those who over work themselves in the heat and don't keep hydrated or take frequent breaks. Currently St. Louis, Missouri, Memphis, Tennessee, Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Omaha, Nebraska, Springfield, Illinois, Mobile, Alabama, Pensacola, Florida, Panama City, Florida, Tampa, Florida, Orlando, Florida, Miami, Florida, Fort Meyers, Florida, Jackson, Mississippi, and New Orleans, Louisiana have cooling shelters open or plan to have them open soon as these cities are currently under either a heat advisory, or excessive heat warning.

In general ambient or actual air temperatures have ranged from 90 to 105 degrees with the Heat Index between 100 and 110+ degrees, mainly being the highest in urban centers. At the time of this article's writing it is projected that the heat wave could last through the end of June or the beginning of July in some areas, especially in the Gulf Coast states, and the southern/central plains, as well as the Middle and Lower Mississippi River Valley regions.

Severe weather and flooding

Along the rim of the ridge of high pressure responsible for the heat wave there have been several upper and middle level disturbances in the atmosphere as well as a washed out cold front that have periodically fired several rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms. The storms have mainly produced damaging winds, lightning, hail, and heavy rain, however some tornadoes and localized flash flooding have occurred in some areas. So far no serious injuries or deaths have been reported as a result of severe weather, although some structural and flora damage as occurred, as well as localized power outages. Heavy rain from the storms has also resulting in rapid run-off which causes flash flooding in urban areas with poor drainage as well as small creeks and streams. The larger rivers, including the Illinois, Ohio, Missouri, and Mississippi, are running high as well.

It is said that the current heat wave feels a lot more intense then it actually is, because much of the region impacted by it, has had a relatively cool and wet spring. Therefore people haven't had much time to acclimate their bodies to become used to this kind of heat. The heat wave is farther exemplified by the fact that it is relatively early in the summer to see heat waves of this intensity. Normally heat waves such as this one don't usually occur until mid July and through August.

Ultraviolet indexes

Because much of the area influenced by the heat wave is relatively clear in regards to sky cover via cloudiness. Problems of very high to extreme ultraviolet indexes have led to an increased risk of SunBurn and a much shorter time to be exposed to become sunburned. It has been strongly advised that people take extra precautions to protect themselves from the sun, especially between local 10am through local 4pm. Although sunscreen, wide brimmed hats, light weight long sleeve shirts and pants, as well as sunglasses has been suggested whenever one is outside in the sun because it is easier for one to burn in a relatively short amount of time.