A scorching heat wave is sweeping across the eastern United States, with millions of people under heat advisories and records being broken in various cities. The Midwest, Ohio Valley, and Mid-Atlantic regions are experiencing the brunt of this extreme weather phenomenon known as a 'heat dome.' Let's take a closer look at what's happening.
Firstly, over 100 million Americans are under heat alerts through the weekend. The highly populated I-95 corridor is particularly affected, with Washington DC and New York City expected to reach temperatures of 90 degrees or higher for seven days straight. This could break previous records in these cities.
In New Mexico, deadly wildfires continue to burn, with at least two people having lost their lives and over 1,400 structures destroyed. The South Fork and Salt fires have burned an estimated 24,000 acres and remain 0% contained as of now.
Meanwhile in the Midwest, temperatures are expected to reach above 95 degrees Fahrenheit in cities like Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. The heat index could even reach up to 112 degrees Fahrenheit in Arizona cities surrounding Phoenix.
The National Weather Service has warned of record-breaking high temperatures over the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and Mid-Atlantic regions. A cold front is expected to bring cooler temperatures to the north starting tomorrow, providing some relief for areas like Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
It's important to note that this heat wave comes after a prolonged period of unusually high temperatures in many parts of the country. The National Weather Service advises taking precautions such as staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, and checking on elderly neighbors or family members.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
