HIGH HEAT is affecting half of the nation (Shutterstock),
About 200 million Americans are under a heat advisory or flood warning as record heat takes hold in many areas in the eastern part of the country.
While cooler days are expected for southern California and southern Arizona, other areas remain sweltering. Part of the reason is that night temperatures are not declining as much as usual, offering little relief from the heat.
Additionally, severe thunderstorms are expected to hit the Great Lakes area and the Ohio Valley, prompting flash flood warnings.
Missiles strike in Russian territory
RUSSIA VS. UKRAINE (Shutterstock).
Several missiles were launched at targets in southwestern Russia on Friday, and at least two were shot down, according to Russian sources.
Ukraine didn’t acknowledge the attacks, according to The New York Times, but it could mean an escalation of the war by carrying combat into the land of the invader.
One missile reportedly fell into the port city of Taganrog, about 80 miles behind the front lines, injuring nine people and damaging some buildings.
The Ukrainian government reported that a Russian missile had struck two buildings in the city of Dnipro, inflicting some injuries.
Consumer prices growing slowly
The prices that consumers pay for everyday goods increased by 3 percent over the last year, the slowest rise since early 2021.
United Press International reports that Personal Consumption Expenditures index is down from 3.8 percent in the previous year. The PCE doesn’t include “volatile” food and energy prices.
However, despite the improvement, it doesn’t meet the 2 percent target set by the Federal Reserve, which is moving to increase its lending rates.
Weather: Time to play it cool
The outlook for you West Orange County area is for a warm weekend moving into cooler days for the coming week. Saturday’s daytime high should be 87 with an overnight low of 68 under partly cloudy skies. Sunday will be similar at 87 (70) but with morning clouds and afternoon sun.
Monday begins the cooling trend to 85 (69) and then 82 (66) on Tuesday.