Heat — Franklin, Virginia

2012-06-29 to 2012-06-30 · Franklin, Virginia

Event narrative

Six reports of heat related maladies where persons were taken to the hospital.

Wider weather episode

A dome of high pressure that had been centered over the southwestern U.S. around June 20-23 shifted to the north and east from June 23-27 bringing all-time record heat to the Great Plains and Midwest. From there the ridge shifted toward the east coast and brought record or near record heat to the Mid-Atlantic and southeastern U.S. from June 28-30. Literally hundreds of June and many all-time heat records were established during this period.

Numerous records or near records for all time June heat were established at climate observing sites in the local CWA. At Roanoke (ROA) with climate records dating back to 1912, the 104F recorded was the highest all-time June reading. This was the first 100F temperature in June at Roanoke since 1959. The 104F was also tied for the second highest all time, after the 105F recorded several times in the past and most recently in August, 1983. Lynchburg (LYH) reached 103F, which tied for its 4th highest on record (highest 106F in July, 1936) and 2nd highest June temperature (104F in June, 1934). Records at Lynchburg date back to 1893 are the longest in the CWA. Danville (DAN) also reached 104F on the 29th, the highest all-time June reading (previous record 102F in 1988) and 2nd highest of all time. The highest ever is 105F reached several times and most recently in July, 1990. In the mountains, Blacksburg hit 95F on both the 29th and 30th. both days all-time June records; the previous June record was 94F set in 1988.

In terms of impact, the heat wave was exacerbated by the massive power outages that occurred in the wake of the June 29 derecho. Tens of thousands of customers lost power in the derecho and were without air-conditioning for periods ranging from several hours to a week or more. Numerous cooling centers were opened by local governments across the area.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 404729. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.