This week, a prolonged and expansive heat wave is set to grip the Midwest and Northeast, ushering in the start of summer with the most significant heat event of the year. The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center has issued a warning that nearly 200 high-temperature records could be tied or broken as a massive heat dome parks over large swaths of the East, potentially lasting into early next week. Some areas may endure the longest heat wave they’ve experienced in decades.
Tens of millions of people, many unaccustomed to such intense heat, will face temperatures soaring well into the 90s. The heat wave arrived in the South and Midwest over the weekend. Families celebrating outdoors were cautioned by the weather service to stay cool as temperatures hit the 90s in several areas.
The most extreme heat risk through the rest of the week is forecasted for regions from the Great Lakes into the Northeast. Major metropolitan areas such as Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New York City, and Boston are included in the areas expected to experience the brunt of this heat wave.
A heat dome occurs when high-pressure atmospheric conditions trap warm air over a region, creating a prolonged period of hot weather. This particular heat dome is significant due to its potential longevity and the widespread area it covers. The National Weather Service has advised people in the affected regions to take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses, such as staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, and seeking air-conditioned environments when possible.
The intense heat poses significant public health concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with preexisting health conditions. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are real dangers during such extreme weather conditions. The National Weather Service recommends checking on neighbors and loved ones who might be more susceptible to the heat.
