The major heat wave is continuing to scorch the southeast, as temperatures have climbed well past the 30-degree mark and are continuing to rise. The current system will bring high daytime temperatures with heat sticking around overnight as well.
Environment and Climate Change meteorologist Crawford Luke talks about the precautions people should be taking as the heat continues.
"First and foremost would be to just stay hydrated, make sure you're drinking lots of water and fluids. If you have to be outside, try to take as many breaks as you can, especially if you're having to work outside. So, try to take breaks in an air-conditioned space or jump in a pool if you're able to have access to that, or at the very least get into some shade and out of the sun, because it is definitely quite hot out there."
People should also check on others who may be more vulnerable, as the heat affects us all.
Luke says this system is bringing more than just the regular heat, as with some recent moisture, humidity is rising to extreme levels.
"With that humidity, it makes the temperature feel even warmer than it is. So it's already quite warm with the humidity, it's feeling like 36, and later today we could see that creep up to 38, close to 40."
"Tomorrow we've actually got 43 in the forecast. So temperatures in 33, 35 degrees, that's already pretty hot as it is, but with that humidity, it's just kind of exasperating the heat and making it feel even hotter."
Additionally, temperatures will be as high as 20 degrees tonight, meaning people looking for a reprieve might not find one.
While it's not notable for much of the year, Luke says it's critical to keep an eye on the humidex in systems like these.
"It's pretty impressive that we have this kind of humidity late into August. But yeah, it's definitely hot enough, just the temperature already, but with that humidex, it's definitely going to be a lot hotter feeling. So definitely something to be paying attention to."
Luke reminds people that the heat will dissipate by Thursday, so more comfortable weather is on the way for the southeast.