By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
A persistent and widespread heat wave, bolstered by an intense heat dome, is set to grip the Midwest and Northeast United States, ushering in summer with what may be the most significant heat event of the year so far.
This weather phenomenon is expected to break hundreds of temperature records this week as a massive heat dome settles over the Eastern part of the country. The heat is projected to reach levels typically seen only in midsummer, potentially setting new all time high temperature records for June in multiple locations. Parts of the Midwest through to the Northeast are bracing for their longest heat wave in decades, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center.
Residents from as far north as Maine, unaccustomed to such intense heat, are forecasted to experience temperatures soaring into the 90s Fahrenheit throughout the week. Coupled with high humidity, the heat index which measures how hot it feels to the body could climb into the low 100s, exacerbating the discomfort.
The heat wave coincided with outdoor Father's Day celebrations in the South and Midwest, prompting advisories from the weather service to take precautions and stay cool, especially with temperatures in some areas reaching the 90s.
An extreme heat risk has been issued from the Great Lakes region to the Northeast, with Wednesday and Thursday expected to be the peak days. Temperatures are anticipated to be 15 to 20 degrees above normal on Monday and could soar up to 25 degrees above normal by the end of the workweek.
Certain areas such as Montpelier, Vermont; Syracuse, New York; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, are facing heat conditions not seen in nearly three decades. For instance, Pittsburgh last experienced such prolonged heat in June 1994, when temperatures reached or exceeded 95°F for six consecutive days.
The heat dome responsible for these extreme conditions traps hot air under sunny skies for prolonged periods, causing each day to grow hotter than the previous one. Consequently, overnight temperatures remain high, providing little relief from the oppressive daytime heat and increasing the risk of heat related illnesses.
The combination of extreme heat and humidity is expected to result in heat indices exceeding 100 degrees in some areas, such as Chicago, Detroit, and parts of eastern New York and western New England. Authorities are advising residents to take precautions, including avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, staying hydrated, and checking on vulnerable neighbors, particularly the elderly and those without adequate cooling.
Experts caution that heat waves are becoming more severe due to the escalating climate crisis. Heat related illnesses are a significant concern during such extreme weather events, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and posing a greater threat than tornadoes and hurricanes combined.