In late spring of 2024, a heat wave affected the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States, causing temperatures to reach mid- to upper-90s in the Northeast on June 19, 2024. The phenomenon was described as a heat dome, which traps heat in the atmosphere by acting like a lid, preventing dissipation. This heat wave came so early in the year that it raised concerns among officials as to its potential hazards. Millions of people across New England and the mid-Atlantic regions were under extreme heat advisories, watches or warnings. The duration of this heat wave was notable and potentially the longest experienced in decades for some locations. It caught some cities off guard, forcing them to open cooling centers earlier than usual and causing public pools in places like New York City not to be open yet. Emergency medical services across the U.S. had already dealt with over 2,400 heat-related emergencies between June 1 and June 14. The heat wave lasted at least through the weekend, with temperatures remaining uncommonly high even at night.
In addition to causing discomfort for people, the heat wave also impacted workers who had to spend long hours outside, such as gardeners and builders. It caused road conditions to deteriorate in places like Detroit, Michigan and Boston due to the melting of road tar. The Illinois Department of Transportation and Missouri Department of Transportation even had to close some roads during the heat wave. In Missouri, Powder Monkey Fireworks experienced a significant fire likely caused by the extreme heat. Despite these dangers, some people chose to stay outdoors as their only respite from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The current heat wave was noted as potentially one of the longest in decades for some locations. It lasted for five more days in south-central Pennsylvania, where highs reached mid-90s with feels like temperatures near 100 degrees. In other parts of the country, such as New York City and Philadelphia, people were advised to stay indoors with air conditioning or cool showers as the best way to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The National Weather Service warned that this heat wave could be one of the longest some places have experienced in decades.
While temperatures may soon ebb in a few places, such as the northern reaches of New England, most people in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions can expect higher-than-usual temperatures at least through the end of June. The heat wave's duration suggests that summer could be particularly brutal. However, despite the challenges posed by this heat wave, it is a reminder for everyone to take precautions during extreme weather events and to stay informed about weather conditions in their area.
