• Image Image
    Big Al's Bulletin Friday 8/15/25

    Headlines

    • More than 55 million Americans are under dangerous heat alerts as a powerful heat dome intensifies
    • Spain, Portugal, and Greece are battling wildfires amid an ongoing summer heat wave
    • Maricopa County (Arizona) reports more than 400 suspected heat-related deaths following record-breaking temperatures

    Extreme Temperatures (Past Week)

    Hottest: Phoenix, AZ — 118 °F on August 13 (with heat indices well above that)
    Coldest: Barrow, AK — 48 °F earlier this week

    Weekend Weather Planner (Friday–Sunday)

    Northeast

    • Friday: High 98 °F (feels like ~103 °F) / Low 76 °F — Extremely hot and breezy

    • Saturday: High 103 °F / Low 78 °F — Extreme heat warning in effect

    • Sunday: High 99 °F / Low 73 °F — Hot; chance of storms in the afternoon
      Best time: Early mornings are the safest for any outdoor activity

    Southeast

    • Friday: High ~95 °F / Low ~75 °F — Hot and humid with frequent afternoon storms

    • Saturday: High ~97 °F / Low ~76 °F — Very muggy; watch for heavy downpours midday

    • Sunday: High ~94 °F / Low ~74 °F — Slightly cooler; afternoon storms remain possible
      Best time: Mornings are ideal before storms and humidity build

    Midwest

    • Friday: High ~94 °F / Low ~73 °F — Hot, but manageable with shade and hydration

    • Saturday: High ~92 °F / Low ~72 °F — Warm and humid; isolated storms possible

    • Sunday: High ~90 °F / Low ~70 °F — Warm and sticky; better day but still humid
      Best time: Early to mid-morning for outdoor plans

    Southwest

    • All Weekend: Highs 110–115 °F (feels like 115–120 °F) / Lows 80–85 °F — Dangerous levels of heat
      Best time: Outdoor activity should be before sunrise or after sunset only

    Rockies

    • Friday: High ~85 °F / Low ~60 °F — Cooler; potential for late afternoon storms

    • Saturday: High ~88 °F / Low ~62 °F — Nice morning; storms possible early PM

    • Sunday: High ~86 °F / Low ~61 °F — Still warm, with afternoon instability
      Best time: Mornings offer the most comfortable and storm-free conditions

    Pacific Coast

    • Friday–Sunday: Highs 70–75 °F / Lows 55–60 °F — Cool and pleasant, with morning fog clearing by mid-day
      Best time: All day — great beach and outdoor weather

    Alaska

    • Friday–Sunday: Highs 60–65 °F / Lows 50–55 °F — Cloudy and cool with occasional coastal drizzles
      Best time: Afternoon brings the warmest and driest weather

    Hawaii

    • Friday–Sunday: Highs around 85 °F (feels like ~88 °F) / Lows around 72 °F — Trade-wind breezes and brief mid-day showers
      Best time: Mornings are perfect for beach or hiking plans

    Radar & Model Interpretation

    A powerful heat dome dominates the central U.S., driving dangerous, record-level heat all weekend. In the Northeast and Midwest, temperatures trending near or above 100 °F with isolated storm chances by Sunday. The Southeast remains in a daily storm cycle due to moisture and heat. Heat in the Southwest is nearly relentless. The Rockies may see isolated PM convection. Coastal regions (Pacific, Alaska, Hawaii) remain stable with mild temperatures and minimal disturbance.

    Emergency Preparedness Tip

    • Avoid outdoor activity during peak heat (11 AM–5 PM)
    • Drink water consistently—even before you feel thirsty
    • Check in on neighbors and pets, especially in vulnerable situations
    • Keep windows shaded and have a plan for cooling off if needed

    Andrew’s Note

    This weekend stands out as one of the hottest yet. The central U.S. is under a critical heat dome; hydration and smart planning are your best defenses. Wherever you are—stay cool, stay safe, and I’m here to help you stay ahead of the weather.

    Need Custom Weather Alerts?

    Want personalized updates—like text alerts, real-time radar notes, or phone alerts before dangerous heat or storms? Hit me up through Ko-fi to get set up.

    Support Big Al’s Bulletin

    If you find this newsletter valuable, you can support the work by buying me a coffee:
    https://ko-fi.com/big_al_315
    Every contribution helps keep these updates flowing and free for all.