The United States is in the grip of a severe heatwave with over 100 million Americans under dangerous heat alerts this week. From the West Coast to the Northeast, cities are experiencing record-breaking temperatures, prompting health warnings and severe weather alerts.
The heat dome currently affecting the Northern Plains has pushed temperatures to extreme levels. In the West, several cities have shattered their all-time high temperature records. Salt Lake City, Utah, reached a preliminary high of 109 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday, surpassing the previous record of 107 degrees set in 1960 and tied in subsequent years. Billings, Montana, recorded a preliminary high of 111 degrees, breaking the previous record of 108 degrees set in 2002. Miles City, Montana, also saw a new record with a preliminary high of 115 degrees, surpassing the previous record of 111 degrees set in 2012.
Extreme Heat Warnings and Advisories
extreme heat warnings are in effect for several regions, including Minneapolis, Minnesota, where the heat index could reach up to 100 degrees. Other areas under extreme heat warnings include Utah, the upper peninsula of Michigan, and parts of the Northeast. In Utah, places like Zion Canyon could feel like 110 degrees, while Salt Lake City and Billings are expected to exceed 100 degrees. Fargo, North Dakota, is under an extreme heat warning with a heat index as high as 110 degrees.
The Northeast is bracing for a heat wave starting on Tuesday, with temperatures expected to exceed 90 degrees for three or more days in cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. A heat advisory is in place for much of the Northeast due to expected heat indices around 100 degrees. The upper Northeast, including Rochester, Albany, and Boston, will experience the hottest temperatures on Tuesday, with heat indices ranging from 100 to 104 degrees. New York City and Washington D.C. are expected to be the hottest on Wednesday, with heat indices near 100 and 105 degrees, respectively.
Southern California Under Heat Alerts
Southern California is also feeling the heat, with alerts issued through Thursday. Temperatures are expected to reach 85 to 90 degrees across coastal valleys and up to 105 degrees in interior valleys through Tuesday. The heat will intensify on Wednesday and Thursday, with downtown Los Angeles reaching the middle to upper 90s and interior valleys hitting up to 105 degrees.
The National Weather Service has issued various alerts to inform the public about the severity of the heat. A heat advisory is issued when temperatures are expected to cause discomfort and potentially lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for vulnerable populations. During a heat advisory, it is advisable to stay in cool places, limit outdoor activities, and stay hydrated. An extreme heat watch is a forecast for upcoming periods of extreme heat, prompting preparations such as locating nearby cooling centers. An extreme heat warning indicates extremely dangerous heat levels, advising the avoidance of strenuous outdoor activities and ensuring hydration for both people and pets.
Severe Weather Threats
The extreme heat and humidity, combined with a sinking cold front from Canada, have created conditions for severe storms in northern New England. These storms are capable of producing destructive winds over 70 mph, large hail, and potentially strong tornadoes. A level 3 of 5 risk is in place for areas including Burlington, Vermont; Plattsburgh, New York; Caribou, Maine; Colchester, Vermont; and Massena, New York. The storms are expected to occur after 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday and continue into the night as the cold front moves south.
