A sprawling heat dome is blanketing much of the central and southeastern United States this week, placing more than 90 million Americans under heat alerts, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The oppressive heat is expected to persist from Tuesday through at least Thursday, affecting states from Nebraska to Florida.
Extreme Temperatures and Stifling Humidity
While record high temperatures are not expected, temperatures will soar 10 to 15 degrees above normal, with actual readings exceeding 100°F in several regions. Heat index values — or the “feels-like” temperatures — may climb to a dangerous 110°F to 115°F in parts of the Mississippi Valley and Southeast.
Adding to the misery is a weather phenomenon known as “corn sweat”, where evaporation from corn crops intensifies the humidity, especially across the Corn Belt in the Plains and Central Mississippi Valley. This mix of extreme heat and elevated moisture levels raises the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for outdoor workers, the elderly, and children.
Overnight Temperatures Bring Little Relief
One of the most concerning aspects of this heat wave is the elevated overnight lows, which are forecast to stay in the mid-70s to low 80s. These record-high minimum temperatures could impact states like Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, South Carolina, and Tennessee, according to Climate Central. Lack of nighttime cooling is a significant health risk, as it prevents the body from recovering from the daytime heat.
Health Risks and Safety Warnings
The NWS Weather Prediction Center warns that the prolonged heat and humidity could lead to a rise in heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat-related illnesses, especially where overnight relief is minimal. Officials are urging residents in affected areas to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak heat hours, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
As the heat dome lingers, residents are advised to stay updated with local weather alerts and follow safety precautions to stay cool and safe.
