The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued extreme heat warnings for much of the central U.S., with unrelenting heat expected to bake large portions of the Midwest and Northeast through next week. Dangerous conditions are already impacting cities like Minneapolis, Omaha, and many others across the region.
Here’s what you need to know about the scorching heat wave:
🌡️ Heat Alerts: What You Need to Know
- Extreme heat watches and warnings have been issued for much of the central U.S., indicating that heat illnesses are expected to spike during this period. This includes high heat index values in the 90s and dangerous humidity levels.
- Minneapolis, Omaha, and many other cities are already feeling the brunt of the heat, and conditions are expected to worsen before relief arrives.
🕰️ When Will the Heat Peak?
- Plains: The heat wave will continue through Sunday.
- Mississippi Valley: Heat will begin Friday, intensifying through Sunday, and could extend into next week in the mid-Mississippi Valley.
- Midwest: The worst of the heat will start Saturday, with relief expected by Tuesday in the northern Great Lakes, but the Ohio Valley could remain hot well into next week.
- Northeast: The heat will ramp up starting Sunday, peaking by midweek, with New England and the eastern Great Lakes seeing relief by Wednesday. The Mid-Atlantic and Appalachians could continue to experience heat well into next week.
🌞 How Hot Will It Get?
- Highs in the 90s will dominate the eastern half of the U.S. East of the Rockies, excluding the far northern regions.
- Record-breaking heat is a possibility, with several cities—especially in the Northeast—approaching or surpassing daily temperature records from Sunday through Tuesday.
- Cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. may flirt with 100°F next week, a rare occurrence in the Northeast:
- New York’s Central Park hasn’t reached 100°F since July 18, 2012.
- Philadelphia hasn’t seen 100°F in June since 1994.
- Denver is expected to hit near 100°F on Friday and Saturday, which only happens twice a year on average.
🛑 What Should You Do to Stay Safe?
- Heat is the number one weather killer in the U.S., claiming hundreds of lives annually.
- The combination of heat and humidity, especially during the overnight hours, will pose serious risks for people without air conditioning, particularly in the city centers.
- Check on vulnerable individuals—family, friends, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions—especially those without AC.
- Avoid the outdoors during peak afternoon heat, if possible. If you must be outside:
- Take frequent breaks
- Stay hydrated (drink more water than usual)
- Wear loose, lightweight clothing
- Avoid strenuous physical activity
🔥 Heat Safety Tips:
- Keep your home cool: Close blinds and curtains, and use fans to circulate air.
- Don’t forget pets: Make sure they have access to fresh water and shelter from the heat.
- Use cooling methods: Take cool showers or use ice packs on pulse points to help lower body temperature.
- Be mindful of the signs of heat exhaustion: Dizziness, heavy sweating, and nausea are early warning signs.
