100m Americans set to roast under extreme ‘heat dome’ starting today,
More than 100 million Americans from the Central Plains to the Northeast are bracing for a powerful heat dome that will bring extreme temperatures through next week.
A heat dome, a high-pressure system that traps hot air and blocks cooler air, is driving prolonged heat waves across the US.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that on Friday, temperatures in central states like Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Illinois will climb to the upper 90s to low 100s°F, with heat indices exceeding 105°F due to high humidity.
Cities like Omaha, Topeka, and Kansas City face excessive heat warnings, signaling serious health risks for those without adequate cooling or hydration.
Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan are also sweltering, with highs in the low to mid-90s°F and heat indices nearing 100°F. Minneapolis is among the cities under heat advisories.
Over the weekend, the heat dome will shift eastward, intensifying heat in the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. On Saturday, New York City will reach the low 90s°F, with heat indices near 100°F due to humid Atlantic air.
By Sunday, Boston and Philadelphia are forecast to hit the mid-90s°F, with heat indices up to 104°F.
The NWS urges residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces, avoid direct sunlight, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Cooling centers are opening in cities like New York and Philadelphia to provide relief.
A heat dome occurs when a large area of high pressure in the upper atmosphere acts as a reservoir that traps heat and humidity, said Ricky Castro, a NWS meteorologist in Illinois.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex Duffus warned: ‘From Monday to Wednesday, the Northeast will face dangerous heat, with widespread highs in the 90s and some areas nearing 100°F, spiking energy demands and requiring limited exposure.’
The heat dome will peak on Monday, June 23, with the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and New England at ‘high risk’ of extreme heat, potentially straining power grids.
Tom Kines, a meteorologist at AccuWeather, said: ‘A lot of those folks have been saying, where’s summer? Well, buckle up, because it’s coming.’
With limited days of warmth over much of the northern Plains, Midwest and Northeast so far this year, the surging heat could catch people off guard as it will be accompanied by some of the most intense sunshine of the year along with high humidity levels.
With sweltering humidity and relentless daytime heat, many urban areas are expected to see little relief overnight.
Temperatures will briefly dip into the 70s before climbing again, making it difficult for those without air conditioning to cool down or recover, according to AccuWeather meteorologist Danielle Ehresman.
The intense conditions will likely drive up energy demand and significantly increase the risk of heat-related illness.
AccuWeather warns that RealFeel® Temperatures could soar 5 to 15 degrees higher than actual readings, topping 100°F in many regions, even where the official highs remain in the 90s.
Residents are urged to limit outdoor activity during the midday and afternoon hours when the heat will be at its most oppressive.
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill said: ‘The magnitude and longevity of this heat wave will be a shock to the system.’
Doctors urge the public to take excessive heat warnings seriously, as extreme temperatures pose a significant health risk.
Each year, more than 700 people in the US die from heat-related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Fifth National Climate Assessment identifies extreme heat as the deadliest weather-related hazard in the country.
