WASHINGTON – The central United States is bracing for a dangerous heat wave this weekend and into the following week, with temperatures expected to soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) from Dallas to North Dakota. Approximately 70 million people are currently under heat advisories, as a heat dome traps warm air over the region.
Meteorologists explain that this heat dome phenomenon occurs when atmospheric conditions create a cap that prevents cooler air from mixing with the heat at the surface. This leads to consistently high temperatures and discomfort, especially during the night when low temperatures remain elevated, hindering recovery and increasing heat stress. The added humidity exacerbates the situation, making it feel even hotter.
A significant portion of the country will experience these midsummer conditions, stretching from the desert Southwest to the Gulf Coast, and extending into the Midwest and Great Plains. Forecasters predict that temperatures could be 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit (5.6 to 8.3 degrees Celsius) above the normal levels. According to Bob Oravec, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, “It looks like it is going to be pretty much stationary in that position as we go through the week.”
Certain areas, such as western Nebraska, are under an extreme heat warning, with temperatures forecast to reach 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius) over the weekend. This has resulted in noticeably fewer visitors at local attractions like the Museum of the Fur Trade near Chadron, Nebraska, where sales have shifted toward lightweight historical attire suited for the heat.
The oppressive heat is expected to persist, with areas in Montana and Wyoming also experiencing temperatures surpassing 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). While some relief may come towards the end of the week, meteorologists caution that it could be short-lived.
Fortunately, regions including the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast are likely to evade the worst of this heat wave, as well as much of the Pacific Northwest. However, this summer has already seen a pattern of extreme temperatures, with early July forcing communities in the eastern United States to cancel Independence Day events. Mid-July brought another wave of oppressive heat across the Southwest and Great Plains, and Europe also faced severe heat waves, with France reporting an alarming increase in mortality during hot months.
In response to the heat, events such as the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are taking precautions by providing water refill stations and shaded areas for fans. Similarly, Denver recreation centers are offering cool spaces for those seeking relief from the heat.
This heat wave poses serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Authorities recommend that people seek air conditioning, hydrate adequately, and minimize exposure to direct sunlight. With the weather expected to shift throughout the week, Texas and parts of the Gulf Coast may face the most severe heat by Wednesday.
While it’s challenging to pinpoint the exact role of climate change in specific weather events, experts agree that rising carbon dioxide levels from fossil fuel consumption are increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Andy Pershing, chief program officer at Climate Central, emphasizes that we are witnessing the predictions made by climate models over two decades ago: “We are experiencing exactly what the climate models in the 1990s said we should experience now. That is more frequent, more severe heat waves, bigger temperature anomalies, more humidity, higher overnight temperatures.”
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Mead Gruver in Fort Collins, Colorado, contributed.
