Dangerous heat dome will bring soaring temperatures, extremely dry conditions in Michigan

Another heat dome is headed for Michigan this week, with soaring temperatures.

Ottawa County is currently under a heat advisory until at least 8 p.m. Tuesday, with heat index values up to 103 degrees expected.

The heat dome will expand to include parts of the country's western region to the Upper Midwest as it moves eastward during the week.

As the heat shifts east into the north-central United States early this week, some daily record highs will be challenged. As the hot air spreads east of the Rockies into more humid air, "real feel" temperatures will run as much as 10-15 degrees higher than the actual air temperature.

While storms later in the week will begin to temper the heat across parts of the West with increasing clouds and thunderstorms, multiple days of 90-degree heat are forecast across the Midwest, including Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland.

The heat dome is forecast to break down from north to south across the Central and Eastern states later this week.

That breakdown could be accompanied by one or more storm systems that travel from the Upper Midwest to the mid-Atlantic coast this weekend.

Despite the heat dome breaking down farther east, much of the north-central United States is expected to endure a stretch of little or no rainfall, along with continued very warm to hot weather.

The combination of limited rainfall and high evaporation rates could place crops under increasing stress. On the other hand, areas that relentless downpours and flash flooding have hammered in recent weeks may welcome the dry stretch.

Staying safe

• Hydrate correctly: Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks, as they can cause dehydration.
• Manage your home: Close blinds and curtains to block sunlight. Limit oven use to keep indoor temperatures down.
• Outdoor activities: Postpone strenuous outdoor work and exercise. If you must be outside, take breaks in the shade, use an umbrella, and apply SPF 30+ sunscreen.
• Cool down: Take cool showers or baths to lower your core temperature. Note that electric fans do not prevent heat-related illness when temperatures exceed 90 degrees.
• Find a cooling center: If you don't have air conditioning, use public spaces like libraries, malls, or officially designated relief centers.

Motorists are urged to carry plenty of water with them in the event of a breakdown.

Five-day forecast

• Monday: Humid with sun and some clouds. High of 84 degrees ("real feel" of 94 degrees). Tonight, clear and humid, with a low of 74 degrees.
• Tuesday: Sunny much of the time, warm and humid, with a high of 86 degrees ("real feel" 95 degrees). In the evening, expect clear to partly cloudy skies and warm and humid conditions. Low of 71 degrees.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny, very warm and humid, with a high of 89 degrees ("real feel" 98 degrees). In the evening, expect partly cloudy skies with a low of 70 degrees.
• Thursday: Warm with times of clouds and sun; chance for a thunderstorm in the afternoon, with a high of 88 degrees ("real feel" 93 degrees). In the evening, there will be a thunderstorm in the evening; otherwise, partly cloudy skies, with a low of 70 degrees.
• Friday: Sunshine filtered by passing clouds with a thunderstorm in the area; remaining warm, with a high of 88 degrees ("real feel" 90 degrees). In the evening, expect partly cloudy skies with warm and humid conditions. Low: 74 degrees.