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By Marni Rose McFall
Reporter
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Millions of Americans across the Midwest, Northeast and South are under extreme heat alerts as a prolonged heat grips the country ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend. Warm nights will provide little relief, increasing the risk of heat-related illness.
Forecasters warned that heat index values could reach as high as 115 degrees in some areas, with the most severe conditions expected across parts of the Northeast, Midwest and lower Mississippi Valley.
The highest apparent temperatures, ranging from 110 to 115 degrees, are forecast in parts of Kentucky, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Illinois and surrounding areas.
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Major population centers including New York City, Philadelphia, Boston and Hartford remain under heat alerts through at least Friday or Saturday as officials warn the conditions could be life-threatening for people without access to adequate cooling.
Weather Service offices have emphasized that unusually warm overnight temperatures will provide little relief, with lows remaining in the 70s and even low 80s in some locations.
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Forecasters warned that the lack of nighttime cooling will allow heat stress to build over several consecutive days, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly among older adults, young children and people with chronic health conditions.
Millions more across the South, Mid-Atlantic and Plains are under heat advisories as heat index values of 100 to 111 degrees are expected through the end of the week.
Officials also cautioned that prolonged extreme heat could strain power grids, transportation networks and water systems, while urging residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity and check on vulnerable neighbors as the dangerous conditions persist into the holiday weekend.
Map Shows Areas Facing Most Impactful Heat
A map from the NWS shows the areas around the country facing the most impactful heat over.
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Color code for the above map: Extreme Heat Warning: Magenta/Pink, Heat Advisory: Orange, Extreme Heat Watch: Dark Red/Maroon, Air Quality Alert: Gray, Flood Warning: Bright Green Fire, Weather Watch: Tan/Beige, Marine Weather Statement: Light Beige, Rip Current Statement: Turquoise/Teal
The states impacted include Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
The NWS map is county-based. In some instances the whole state is impacted, while in others, only part of the state is under the warning.
What Is a Heat Dome, and How Is It Different to a Heat Wave?
The term "heat dome" refers to a broad weather pattern that traps hot air over a region, sometimes for a week or longer.
AccuWeather chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter previously said in an email sent to Newsweek, “The persistence and long-lasting nature in a particular area is the key difference between the impacts of a heat dome and a typical stretch of hot weather which might last a short duration."
The term "heat wave" refers to a shorter stretch of unusually high temperatures, which typically last for three or more days consecutively.
Extreme Heat Safety Tips
The National Weather Service is urging residents to take precautions as dangerous heat and humidity grip large parts of the country.
Officials recommend staying hydrated, limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, spending time in air-conditioned spaces and checking on older adults, young children and others who may be especially vulnerable to heat-related illness.
Forecasters have repeatedly warned that heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States. They also cautioned against leaving children, pets or anyone else inside parked vehicles, noting that "vehicle interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes." With unusually warm overnight temperatures expected to provide little relief, officials said people should take heat warnings seriously and seek cooling whenever possible.
Warning signs of heat-related illness to watch out for include dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea, confusion and weakness. Anyone who experiences severe symptoms, particularly signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, should immediately seek medical attention.
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