Greater Cleveland is dealing with a combination of intense heat, high humidity and increasing thunderstorm chances as early September weather feels more like the middle of summer.
Heat advisories were in effect across Northeast Ohio Wednesday as temperatures climbed and humidity pushed heat-index values toward dangerous levels.
The hot conditions contributed to school closings and schedule changes in several communities, particularly at buildings without full air conditioning.
Forecasters also warned that the same warm and humid air mass could fuel rounds of thunderstorms. Some storms could become strong or severe, with damaging wind and heavy rain among the primary concerns.
The weather pattern created changing conditions across the region. Areas could experience oppressive heat for part of the day before thunderstorms develop and temporarily lower temperatures.
Residents were advised to limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest periods, stay hydrated and check on people who are especially vulnerable to heat.
The National Weather Service uses heat advisories when a combination of temperature and humidity is expected to create conditions that can increase the risk of heat-related illness.
High humidity makes it more difficult for the body to cool itself through evaporation, causing outdoor conditions to feel significantly hotter than the measured air temperature.
The storm threat added another concern for outdoor events, sports practices and evening travel. Thunderstorms developing in a hot and unstable atmosphere can strengthen quickly.
Northeast Ohio frequently experiences rapid weather changes when strong late-summer heat and moisture are followed by approaching disturbances or fronts.
The September heat arrived shortly after the start of the new school year and affected communities across the Cleveland-Akron region.
Local forecasters continued monitoring storm development as the combination of heat and humidity remained in place across Greater Cleveland and surrounding Northeast Ohio counties.
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