Scorching Heat Wave to Impact Midwest and Northeast
More than 135 million Americans are at risk this week as a severe “heat dome” brings extreme temperatures to a vast stretch of the US. This heat wave, set to extend from the Midwest to the Northeast, will impact major metropolitan areas including New York, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, and Washington, DC.
Heat Wave details and safety measures
“We know it’s really the first hot weekend of 2024 for us,” National Weather Service senior meteorologist Andy Chiuppi told USA TODAY. “We’re just pushing out all the safety information: people make sure they’re staying hydrated. Even if you’re not going outdoors, make sure you’re drinking enough water and fluids.”
Several temperature records could be broken during this heat wave, which is expected to hit before the official start of summer on June 20. According to the National Weather Service, New York City will experience highs above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (F) from Wednesday through Saturday, marking the city’s first heat wave since September.
Regional temperature forecasts
- New York City: Temperatures above 90F from Wednesday through Saturday.
- Pittsburgh: Highs of 94F or higher for the entire week.
- Charleston, West Virginia: Temperatures above 90F for the entire week, peaking at 96F on Friday.
- Indianapolis, Indiana: Mid-90Fs from Monday through Saturday.
The latest “heat dome” follows a trend of extreme temperatures observed across the country in recent days. Experts warn that 2024 has a strong chance of becoming the hottest year on record globally due to the ongoing climate crisis, following the record-setting temperatures of 2023.
Bernie Rayno, AccuWeather Chief Video Meteorologist, expressed concerns about the increased demand for cooling and potential strain on the power grid. “The increased demand for cooling is going to be a problem here. This could have some impacts on the power grid,” Rayno noted.
Health risks and precautions
The extreme heat poses significant health risks, especially to the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those spending prolonged periods outdoors. In Chicago, where temperatures are expected to remain in the mid-90s throughout the week, officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, wear loose clothing, and ensure pets are not left in closed cars.
Dr. George Chiampas, an emergency medicine physician with Northwestern Medicine, highlighted the danger of high humidity combined with elevated temperatures. “When you look at humidities that are above 60, that essentially envelops an individual, and it doesn’t allow heat to basically escape into the environment, allow you to cool down,” Chiampas told CBS Chicago. “So that humidity in combination with higher temperatures is when we get concerned in the emergency department, and, quite frankly, across the city and public health officials.”
With over 135 million Americans facing temperatures above 90 degrees this week and some areas expected to surpass 100 degrees, the nation braces for a challenging period of extreme heat. Officials continue to provide guidance and resources to help mitigate the risks associated with this dangerous weather phenomenon.