Approximately 70 million people in the United States will face excessive heat advisories as a major heat dome scorches the central and southern regions.
A massive heat dome is expected to trap dangerously hot temperatures across much of the United States, from the Gulf of Mexico coast to the Great Plains and the Midwest. Roughly 70 million people will face heat advisories as temperatures reach between 95 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Some areas in the southwestern desert may see temperatures climb as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The high-pressure system will cause sustained heat with high humidity, providing little relief during the night. While the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Pacific Northwest will remain relatively cool, western Nebraska is under an extreme heat warning with highs of 108 degrees Fahrenheit. Experts note that the severity of these events is linked to the human-caused climate crisis, which has increased the frequency of temperature anomalies. Children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions are at the highest risk for heat stroke. Residents are encouraged to seek air conditioning and stay hydrated as the heat persists through the week.