A large heat dome is causing dangerously high temperatures across the United States, putting millions at risk. The heat dome is trapping hot, humid air, causing temperatures to soar from the South to the Midwest and East. Cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Memphis could experience their hottest days of the year, with temperatures reaching the upper 90s and heat indices well into the triple digits.
The National Weather Service has issued extreme heat warnings for almost 85 million Americans, stretching from South Dakota to Texas and North Carolina to Florida. USA Today reports that Kansas City could see temperatures hit 100 degrees for the first time in two years, while Dallas may reach triple digits for the first time in 2025.
The heat dome is expected to persist through the week, with high humidity intensifying the heat, particularly in the Central Plains, Midwest, and Mississippi and Ohio valleys.
Nighttime temperatures are also unusually high, with lows in some areas remaining in the mid-70s to low 80s, potentially breaking record high minimums. This lack of overnight cooling increases the risk of heat-related illnesses.
The heat wave is expected to continue until at least the last weekend of July, with the Northeast potentially seeing some relief around that time. However, the heat dome's impact is already being felt, with concerns about drought expansion and increased risks of heat-related incidents, including children being left in hot cars.