NEW YORK – A searing heat dome is set to envelop the central and eastern United States, impacting millions as temperatures soar. This weather phenomenon, expected to begin this weekend, coincides with the official start of summer, bringing unprecedented heat and humidity across a vast region.
Immediate Impact of the Heat Dome
Forecasters have warned that the heatwave will push temperatures to or above 100°F (37.7°C) in numerous cities as it advances eastward. An estimated 170 to 200 million people will experience the effects, with areas from the central Great Plains to the mid-Atlantic states, including New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, under the oppressive heat.
“It will be exceptionally warm at night with little relief once the sun goes down,” said Bernie Rayno, chief on-air meteorologist at AccuWeather.
Key Details Emerge
The heatwave marks the summer’s first significant high-pressure system trapping hot air at the surface. This atmospheric condition, known as a heat dome, has become more common amid rising global temperatures. According to the National Weather Service, extreme heat has caused more fatalities in the US since 1995 than hurricanes and tornadoes combined, with 238 deaths last year alone.
“Extreme heat is tragically the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in America,” noted Jonathan Porter, AccuWeather’s chief meteorologist.
By the Numbers
- Estimated 170 to 200 million people affected
- Temperatures at or above 100°F expected
- More than 40 million under heat alerts by Friday
- 238 heat-related fatalities in the US last year
Regional Implications and Expert Analysis
Experts urge residents to remain indoors and utilize air conditioning to mitigate health risks. Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University, emphasized the dangers of sustained high temperatures, especially when nightly lows remain above 75°F.
“Your body needs a reprieve,” Ward told the Associated Press. “When we have overnight temperatures that don’t drop below 75°F, you start to see extraordinary outcomes with respect to heat illness and heat stroke, and even mortality.”
Background Context
The phenomenon of heat domes is exacerbated by climate change, leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves. Some states have implemented measures to protect vulnerable populations, such as cooling stations and legal heat protections for outdoor workers. However, others, like Florida, have rolled back such protections, citing economic concerns.
What Comes Next
The heatwave is expected to spread north and east over the weekend, reaching Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Missouri on Saturday. By Sunday, states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York will experience peak temperatures, with the oppressive conditions extending to Maine by early next week.
As the nation braces for this intense heatwave, the focus remains on public safety and the implementation of measures to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities. The situation underscores the urgent need for adaptive strategies in the face of a changing climate.
