More than 140 million people in the Midwest and Southeast regions received warnings about dangerously high temperatures on Tuesday as a significant heat wave swept across over a dozen states. The National Weather Service predicts that the heat will intensify throughout the week. In a Tuesday update, the agency stated that while hot weather is expected at this time of year, the combination of “searing” triple-digit temperatures and “brutal humidity levels” will make it feel as hot as 120 degrees in some areas.
The NWS emphasized that these temperatures are highly unusual and are likely to break numerous daily and potentially monthly records. Iowa and neighboring states are forecasted to experience highs up to 20 degrees above average in the coming days.
Heat advisories and excessive heat warnings are currently in effect in 17 states across the Midwest and Southeast, encompassing more than 40% of the U.S. population. Major cities such as Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Nashville, Oklahoma City, Louisville, Dallas, Houston, and New Orleans are among those under heat warnings.
According to the NWS, over 90 record high temperatures are expected to be broken in the next three days alone. The NWS branch for the greater Chicago area warned that heat indexes could reach as high as 115 degrees over the next two days. The St. Louis region has already experienced this rarely seen high temperature.
The NWS office for the Kansas City area urged people to limit outdoor exposure and wear light-colored clothing, as the conditions are deemed “untenable” even for short durations.
The NWS also highlighted that warm overnight temperatures, which will only drop into the upper 70s and low 80s, will exacerbate the impacts of this potentially deadly heat wave.
Heat waves are the deadliest weather-related events, as they threaten vital organ function due to the body’s fluid supply depletion. In fact, they claim more American lives annually than hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes combined.
This current high-temperature event is caused by a high-pressure ridge, commonly known as a “heat dome,” that is stuck over the affected region, trapping hot air.
European scientists recently reported that last month was the hottest month ever recorded, emphasizing the urgent need for action in addressing the climate crisis. Additionally, studies have shown that climate change has made heat waves 150 times more likely.
It is important to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the weather conditions during this extreme heat wave.
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