Millions of people across the central and eastern United States are bracing for the summer's first 'heat dome', with temperatures expected to reach or exceed 100F (37.7C) in numerous cities. The extreme heat, which began this weekend and is forecast to last through the end of next week, is caused by hot air and humidity trapped in the atmosphere by a strong high-pressure system.
An estimated 170 to 200 million people will be affected from the central Great Plains to mid-Atlantic states, including New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Forecasters warn that there will be little respite at night, with urban areas potentially struggling to drop below 80F (26.7C). 'It will be exceptionally warm at night with little relief once the sun goes down,' said Bernie Rayno, chief on-air meteorologist at AccuWeather.
Heat domes have become increasingly common in the US in recent years amid rising global temperatures. Extreme heat has killed more people in the US since 1995 than hurricanes and tornadoes, according to National Weather Service figures, including 238 last year. 'Extreme heat is tragically the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in America,' said Jonathan Porter, AccuWeather's chief meteorologist.
By Saturday, extreme heat was forecast to spread north and east into Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri. Sunday will see states including Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York experiencing peak temperatures. By early to midweek, the entire region stretching as far east as Maine will have high temperatures and humidity.
Health experts are urging residents to stay cool indoors and take precautions. 'Your body needs a reprieve,' said Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University. 'When we have overnight temperatures that don't drop below 75F (23.9C), you start to see some pretty extraordinary outcomes with respect to heat illness and heat stroke, and even mortality.' Some states and municipalities have set up cooling stations for vulnerable populations, though only a handful have legal heat protections for outdoor workers.
