Heat Will Intensify Across the U.S. This Week

Summer heat will once again engulf much of the country, bringing above-average temperatures, setting daily records and increasing wildfire risk.

Heat, on average, is the deadliest weather disaster in the U.S., causing typically over 100 deaths each year — more than hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding. Because of climate change, extreme heat is likely to worsen over time. Humidity can exacerbate the issue, preventing heat from properly escaping our bodies. Judson Jones, a meteorologist and reporter for The New York Times covering extreme weather, explains the dangers and how to find relief.

A dangerous midsummer heat wave is expected to overtake much of the United States this week, with a swampy heat index reaching over 100 degrees in the East and drier, blistering triple-digit high temperatures in the West.

Heat index forecast for…

When and where to expect a rise in temperature.

By the middle of the week, the Central and Southern Plains will be the first to experience above-average heat, with temperatures reaching 10 to 15 degrees above normal in the afternoon sun.
As the week progresses, the South and Mid-Atlantic regions will begin to swelter, especially on Thursday and Friday.
Shorter bursts of above-normal temperatures are also likely for the Midwest to Northeast toward the end of the week.
By the weekend, the mild relief out west will give way to another intense and widespread heat wave that may persist through next week.

Dangerous Heat Forecast in the U.S. ›

See detailed maps about the latest heat index forecasts.

Caution

Extreme caution

Danger

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Note: Forecast data is as of 8:15 a.m. Eastern on July 30, 2024.

The combination of humidity and excessive temperatures will push what the air feels like to above 110 degrees across the Plains, the Mississippi Valley and the Southeast. When the heat index reaches temperatures of this caliber, heat cramps or heat exhaustion can occur. After long exposure or exercise, heat stroke is also possible.

It isn’t just the daytime temperatures that can be alarming. Morning low temperatures in some locations in the Central and Southern United States will fail to go below the mid- to upper 70s. Repeated days of warm overnight lows can strain the body and air-conditioning units.

In the West, forecasters with the Weather Prediction Center said that by Friday, high temperatures in the 90s and triple digits could challenge numerous records across the region.

These hot and dry conditions combined with localized high winds will most likely increase the risk of wildfires and inhibit efforts to contain ongoing blazes — especially as the prolonged heat stretches well into August.

Air quality and reduced visibility will continue to plague parts of the West as wildfire smoke blankets the skies, particularly over portions of the northern Great Basin.

Source: Elections - nytimes.com