A blistering heat wave impacts the northeastern U.S., raising serious health risks.
This weekend, over 100 million people in the northeastern U.S. are bracing for a significant heatwave, with temperatures predicted to soar above average. The heat index in major cities like New York could reach 106°F, while the southeastern U.S. may experience dangerously high levels. Vulnerable populations are at serious risk for heat-related illnesses as a heat dome intensifies due to climate change. Thunderstorms and travel disruptions, including Amtrak speed restrictions, are also expected. Stay cool and safe during this extreme weather event.
This weekend, over 100 million people across the northeastern United States are gearing up for a serious blast of heat and humidity as a significant heat dome rolls east. The effects are expected to be intense, stretching from Portland, Maine all the way down to Wilmington, North Carolina, where heat advisories are already in place.
Get ready for some steamy conditions! The daytime heat index, which measures how hot it feels when humidity is factored in, is projected to soar to 10 to 15°F above average in many areas. In particular, New York City will be facing a staggering heat index of around 106°F on Friday, which is actually hotter than what folks in Phoenix, Arizona will experience!
As if the daytime heat isn’t enough, **overnight temperatures** are also expected to stay exceptionally warm and muggy. Forecasts show that the southeastern U.S. could see heat index values that could exceed 115°F, creating serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups. This includes:
A heat dome arises when hot air gets trapped by a stationary high-pressure system, causing prolonged periods of high temperatures. Climate scientists have cautioned that these heat domes are becoming **more intense** due to human-induced climate change, making the situation even more concerning.
As temperatures rise, so do the risks of heat exhaustion, heat-related illnesses, and in the worst cases, even death. Particularly in the “corn belt,” the phenomenon known as “**corn sweat**” can elevate humidity levels, pushing the heat index up by as much as 10°F.
In addition to the heat, thunderstorms—some of which could be severe—are forecasted to sweep through the Northeast by Friday night. This could lead to flash flooding from northeast Kansas to Indiana, while scattered thunderstorms may occur across New England and parts of the northern mid-Atlantic.
Meanwhile, red flag wildfire warnings are already in effect for areas of Utah and Oregon due to dry and windy conditions, so stay alert if you’re in those parts!
Brace yourself! Cities like New York City cannot only expect high temperatures that might challenge historical records—temperatures up to 96°F could tie a record set back in 1888. Philadelphia is eyeing a high of 98°F, possibly pushing the heat index to an impressive 108°F, a level that could break a record set in 1996.
Washington D.C. is also in for a *scorching* weekend with temperatures reaching the upper 90s and heat indices soaring near 109°F.
Travel is already affected as well; Amtrak is implementing speed restrictions due to heat, and there are reports of train evacuations near Baltimore. With everyone cranking up their air conditioning, energy companies are asking for a little conservation to deal with the increased load.
A heat dome forms when hot air is trapped under a high-pressure system, leading to prolonged periods of extremely high temperatures.
High heat and humidity can lead to serious health risks, including heat exhaustion, heat illnesses, and in extreme cases, death, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, check in on vulnerable individuals, and consider using fans or air conditioning whenever possible.
Heat advisories are in effect from Portland, Maine, to Wilmington, North Carolina, including populous areas like New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
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