One of the driving factors to the oppressive heat in the Southeast is the record high water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico. The projection now is that those temperatures could feed more hurricanes for the rest of this season. As I've said before, it is possible that the season could "run longer" and not end in November.
Like wildfire season in California, it can be year long now, without a concentration just in the summer months.
Speaking for wildfires, I'm down in Oregon this week, and there are several fires burning with Level 3 evacuations (mandatory—get out now) being ordered. Structure protection units going to homes to try to protect them, etc.
The one blessing is that winds have been light and cooler temperatures are on the way, but today will be 102 degrees. One high wind event could blow this whole situation up, just like we saw in Maui.
