2007 North America South and Eastern Heatwave - Environmental Impacts

Environmental Impacts

The North American South and Eastern Heatwave was responsible for oppressive heat and building drought across the central and southern midwest and into the southeast. Temperatures were soaring above 100 °F (38 °C)s as far north as Kansas City, MO and St. Louis, MO. At Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, on August 9 and 10, the temperare reached 104 °F (40 °C). Much of the east coast experienced highs topping out around the century mark like at Charleston, SC and New York City, NY. Dew points reached the mid 70s °F (24°C), creating a Heat Index values of 108 °F (42 °C) or more in much of the affected areas. For that reason, nearly two dozen states were in eitherHeat Advisories, or Excessive Heat Warnings or Watches, with the area of most watch or warning coverage in the Mississippi River Valley region from Illinois and Missouri down to Louisiana and the Southeast Atlantic Coast, as well as parts of the Mid-Atlantic.

13 new all time maximum high temperatures were set, along with several hundred new daily high maximum temperature records. August 2007 turned out to be one of the 20 warmest Augusts for the United States since 1895.

Besides for the temperatures, the nature of the heatwave and the accompanying high pressure system area causing intensifying drought conditions, especially in areas that were already experiencing exceptional drought conditions, such as northern Alabama where the drought was exceptional even before the heat wave. It is also initiating drought conditions into the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys. Depending on exactly how long this heatwave lasts, it could have a major impact on the agricultural harvest as September and October approaches. The drought conditions will also most likely create conditions that are more favorable for wildfires and create water shortages in some communities that are already dealing with low water levels. The persistent drought and heat wave have further decreased soil moisture to below 98-99% of normal levels.