Dangerous Heat Expected in Macomb This Week

Macomb County is expected to endure its worst combination of heat and humidity to hit southeast Michigan in more than 15 years, according to the National Weather Service.

The area is under a heat advisory and an air quality alert for the entire region as heat indexes are expected to be in the 90s on Tuesday—a slight drop from Monday—but exceed 100 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday. The heat index is a combination of temperature and relative humidity.

"The heat wave this week is expected to be the longest duration of hot and humid conditions since July of 1995," the alert said.

The advisory said a high pressure zone in the middle of North America working with a subtropical Bermuda high that is pumping in moisture is creating the weather pattern.

The combination of high temperatures and humidity is dangerous, the advisory said, advising caution when outside.

"When possible reschedule, strenuous activities to early morning or evening," the heat advisory said. "Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. 

"To reduce risk during outdoor work, the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency."