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USA Braces for Potentially Historic Heat Wave
29 Jun
Summary
- A heat dome is building, threatening scorching temperatures across the central and eastern U.S.
- Over 142 million Americans are currently under heat alerts.
- High humidity will intensify heat, with some heat indexes reaching up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
A powerful heat dome is currently building over the United States, signaling the arrival of scorching temperatures across large portions of the country this week. From Wednesday, July 1, through the holiday weekend, temperatures in the 90s and 100s are expected to dominate the central and eastern U.S., with high humidity making the heat feel even more intense.
Forecasters warn of dangerous conditions, with heat indexes potentially reaching between 105 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit in areas like the southern Plains and Mid-Atlantic. Currently, approximately 142 million Americans are under heat alerts, and "all-time record highs" are anticipated for Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3. Major cities such as Philadelphia, Boston, Nashville, and Kansas City are expected to experience extreme heat.
Limited overnight relief is also a significant concern, as temperatures are predicted to remain in the mid-to-upper 70s. This combination of prolonged daytime heating and insufficient nighttime cooling heightens the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations. This U.S. heat wave occurs concurrently with a severe heat wave impacting Europe, which has already been linked to over 1,300 deaths.
