US Weather Forecast: Heat Dome Brings Scorching Temperatures
The extreme heat is expected to affect over half of the US population, with certain areas seeing a fivefold increase in extreme heat likelihood due to climate change. The heat wave's impact on health and daily life will be significant, with the need for heat relief and precautions becoming increasingly important.
A new heat dome is forming over the central and eastern parts of the US, bringing extremely high temperatures and humidity to the region, with over 90 million Americans under heat alerts and temperatures expected to reach the triple digits in some areas.
The heat dome is causing temperatures to climb higher than normal, with cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Memphis expected to see temperatures in the upper 90s. The heat index, which takes into account humidity, will also soar to dangerous levels, reaching 110-115°F in some areas. Climate change is making this heat wave at least half the US population more likely, according to an analysis from Climate Central.
The National Weather Service has issued extreme heat warnings and heat advisories for millions across the South, Plains, and Midwest. The heat dome will eventually spread eastward, bringing hot and humid air into parts of the Northeast by Thursday, with temperatures peaking around Friday and lingering into Saturday. Overnight lows will also be muggy, offering little heat relief for those without access to air conditioning.
The heat wave may have staying power, particularly in the Plains and South, while slowly expanding west toward the Rockies. The heat dome is also causing "corn sweat," a phenomenon where corn plants release moisture into the air, increasing humidity. High humidity and extreme temperatures pose a significant threat to health, with little to no overnight relief.
The heat dome will ease by Saturday, but the summer is expected to remain hot, with August likely to be the hottest month of the year for much of the country. As the heat wave continues, it is essential for people to take precautions to stay safe, especially those who are vulnerable to extreme heat.