Heat Alerts Affect Over 97 Million as ‘Heat Dome’ Takes Hold
More than 97 million individuals are under serious heat warnings stretching from the South to the East Coast, attributed to a substantial high-pressure system settling over the central U.S., commonly termed a "heat dome."
According to the FOX Forecast Center, nearly 200 million individuals will experience elevated temperatures by the week’s end, as this atmospheric phenomenon traps heat, creating prolonged hot and dry conditions.
Although this weather pattern may not set new temperature records, widespread highs are expected to soar into the upper 90s across a vast area of the nation.
Compounding the discomfort, humidity levels are elevated. Consequently, the heat index, or "feels-like" temperature, is predicted to exceed 100 degrees in major urban centers such as St. Louis, Kansas City, and Oklahoma City.
In some locations, the perceived temperatures could reach between 110 to 115 degrees.
High humidity affects the body’s ability to cool down via sweating, resulting in significantly higher “felt” temperatures compared to the actual air temperature. Under the heat dome, the atmosphere will mainly remain dry.
For example, Texas will continue to dry out following recent flooding incidents in areas like Kerrville.
By Thursday, parts of the Great Lakes will experience heat index values rising into the mid- to upper 90s as dew points approach the 70s.
The most oppressive heat is anticipated to migrate toward the I-95 corridor on Friday.
Cities from Washington, D.C., to New York City and Boston can expect temperatures soaring into the 90s. When combined with a tropical air mass, these areas may feel like they are experiencing temperatures of 100 degrees or more, potentially challenging some daily records.
Newark, New Jersey, may also approach the upper 90s.
Heat advisories have been issued for sections of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, including Boston, from Thursday through Friday.
As the weekend approaches, a slight easing of temperatures is anticipated for cities like New York and Boston, where highs are expected to return to the 80s.
However, the mid-Atlantic will remain entrenched in extreme heat, with heat indices lingering in the low 100s from D.C. to Richmond, Virginia.
This combination of heat and humidity may trigger a few afternoon thunderstorms.
This summer, over two dozen U.S. cities are reporting among their five warmest summers on record, with temperatures averaging between 1 to 3 degrees above the norm, as noted by the FOX Forecast Center.
Long-term forecasts indicate that the East and Northeast regions are likely to continue experiencing warmer-than-average conditions as the season progresses.
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