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This week, a major weather event is taking shape across the central United States, as a heat dome sets up shop. You might be wondering, what exactly is a heat dome? Well, it’s when a high-pressure system hovers over a region, trapping heat underneath like a lid.
While this one might not break any records, it’s still expected to send temperatures soaring into the upper 90s across a large swath of the country. And when you factor in high humidity, it’s going to feel even more stifling.
What Exactly is a Heat Dome?
A heat dome creates a situation where warm air is trapped, causing temperatures to spike. The FOX Forecast Center has highlighted that the moisture in the air—reflected in elevated dew points—will push the heat index, or what it feels like outside, to over 100 degrees in major cities like St.
Louis, Kansas City, and Oklahoma City. In some areas, you could even see the heat index creeping up to alarming levels of 110 to 115 degrees. Yikes!
That high humidity throws a wrench into your body’s natural cooling system, making it feel way hotter than what the thermometer says.
So, if you’re in these areas, it’s super important to take precautions against heat-related illnesses. Stay hydrated, find some shade, and don’t overdo it!
How Will This Affect Different Regions?
While much of the central U.S. will be baking in dry conditions, not every spot is going to be spared from rain.
The moisture that typically rises within the heat dome gets redirected, sparking storm activity along its northern and eastern edges. Meteorologists call these ‘ring of fire’ storms, which thrive on daytime heating and unstable air. These storms can whip up damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall, especially if they stall over an area, leading to flash flooding in regions that have already seen a lot of rain.
As the week goes on, folks in the Midwest, Tennessee River Valley, and parts of the Southeast should stay alert for storms and potential flooding. While the heat dome shifts eastward, you might see a temporary dip in storm chances in some places, but don’t expect the oppressive heat to let up just yet.
What’s Next for the Heat?
Looking ahead to Thursday, areas around the Great Lakes can brace for ‘feels-like’ temperatures soaring into the mid to upper 90s as dew points climb into the 70s. By Friday, the extreme heat will shift toward the Interstate 95 corridor, affecting cities from Washington, D.C., to New York City and Boston. Expect temperatures in the 90s, with that tropical air making it feel even hotter—think heat index values exceeding 100 degrees in the afternoons.
Some places, like Newark, New Jersey, might even flirt with record high temps on Friday. As the weekend rolls in, a slight break from the intense heat is in sight for cities like New York and Boston, where temperatures may dip back into the 80s. However, the mid-Atlantic region is likely to stay uncomfortably warm.
Long-range forecasts suggest that the East and Northeast will keep experiencing above-average temperatures for the rest of the summer, so it’s wise for residents to stay vigilant and prepared for ongoing heat waves. Are you ready for the summer sizzle?
