The entire eastern half of the United States will experience above-average temperatures this week as a massive heat dome descends, impacting 147 million Americans. Until at least Thursday, 28 U.S. states from Texas to Maine will experience moderate to extreme heat waves, with temperatures hitting at least 15 degrees above average. Several in the Midwest will endure what the National Weather Service calls a “4 of 4 extreme heat risk,” meaning anyone without access to effective cooling and hydration measures risks adverse health effects. The NWS predicts that more than 250 local daily temperature records could be broken across the country on Monday and Tuesday alone. Most regions will peak in the mid-to-high nineties, but with humidity, the heat index in parts of the mid-Atlantic could soar closer to 110 degrees. Heat surpasses hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes as the deadliest form of extreme weather, and extended heat waves can create public health crises that put pressure on emergency services. The good news: this won’t last long. For most of the Midwest, mid-Atlantic, and New England, temperatures will peak between Monday and Wednesday, then begin to cool later in the week.
