What is causing the unusually warm weather in the central US?

The article states that a record-breaking marine heatwave in the North Pacific Ocean, thousands of miles away, is the primary driver behind the scorching October temperatures in the central US.

How much above average are temperatures expected to be in the Midwest and Great Lakes?

The article mentions that temperatures will be 20 to 30 degrees above average in a stretch from Nebraska and the Dakotas to Michigan, making it feel more like mid-to-late summer.

Home / Weather / Scorching October Heatwave Grips Central US as Pacific Ocean Heatwave Rages

Scorching October Heatwave Grips Central US as Pacific Ocean Heatwave Rages

3 Oct

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Summary

Temperatures soar 20-30°F above average in Midwest and Great Lakes
North Pacific Ocean heatwave thousands of miles away is a key driver
Dozens of temperature records expected to be broken in coming days

As of October 3rd, 2025, a powerful heatwave is sweeping across the central United States, bringing summer-like temperatures well into the 80s and even 90s. The unseasonable warmth is being felt from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Lakes and southern Canada, with temperatures running 20-30 degrees above average in some areas.

Experts say the primary driver behind this extreme October heat is an expansive and record-breaking marine heatwave currently unfolding in the North Pacific Ocean, some 5,000 miles away from the affected regions. This ocean anomaly has disrupted the jet stream, allowing warm and humid air to surge northward into the central states.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, more than 40 temperature records across 15 states could be approached or exceeded over the next several days. The warmth is expected to spread eastward into the Ohio Valley, Appalachians, and Northeast early next week, although the temperature deviations won't be quite as stark as in the Midwest.