Extreme Heat Warnings Affect Millions Across the U.S.

1 week ago 0

On Sunday, over 40 million people in central and southern parts of the United States faced extreme heat warnings. High temperatures combined with severe humidity stretched across a vast region for the second consecutive day.

Heat indexes soared above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) from Minnesota to Mississippi and extended westward into southern California and Nevada. The National Weather Service indicated that some areas in the Southwest could experience highs of 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 C).

The extreme conditions were attributed to a heat dome. This atmospheric phenomenon traps heat, causing temperatures to rise and persist. Pete Miller from the homeless services network, Threshold CoC, highlighted the dangerous effects of the heat in Omaha, Nebraska, as they distributed water to residents. “It’s extraordinarily hot,” said Miller. “We’re seeing many people exhausted and drained by the heat, which is really dangerous.” He noted the high humidity intensifying the situation.

On Saturday, Rapid City, South Dakota, recorded a temperature of 112 degrees Fahrenheit (44 C), its highest ever. The severe heat led to the cancellation of a horse race in Canterbury Park, Minnesota, on Sunday.

Bob Oravec, a meteorologist from NWS, commented, “Right now, it’s affecting many people in the middle of the country. The core of the heat will move southward by early next week.” The heat dome not only increased temperatures but also heightened risks of severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, and hail around the Great Lakes. These weather threats were expected to move eastward in the following days.

Oravec explained that a heat dome in one area influences weather patterns in another, emphasizing its nationwide impact. However, the central U.S. might get temporary relief mid-week, though high temperatures could return by the weekend.

Authorities cautioned vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, and those with medical conditions, as they have a higher risk of heat-related issues, including stroke. Experts advise seeking air-conditioned environments, staying hydrated, and minimizing sun exposure.

According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the continental U.S. had the second-hottest start to the year in 2026, based on average temperature tracking.