Life-threatening temperatures swallow tens of millions across Midwest and East Coast
Schools across New York and the tristate area closed early as officials warned of oppressive conditions
Nearly 170 million Americans living across the central and eastern U.S. this week have been be forced to endure dangerous heat as city officials declared emergencies and schools announced early closures.
In upstate New York, it already as if it were more than 100 degrees at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday morning and thousands of customers were left without power following power outages.It is the last week of school for districts there, and many have switched to half-day schedules.
“These changes in schedule were made to ensure the health and safety of both students and staff and to minimize the potential for heat-related illnesses,” Central School District Superintendent Dr. Marie Wiles said in a statement.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency across dozens of counties in response to the rising temperatures. Down the East Coast, Philadelphia health officials declared a heat health emergency, urging people to look out for each other.
The cause of the triple-digit temperatures is a massive heat dome. AccuWeather warned it could lead to levels of heat and humidity not seen in June in many years.
"Bright sun and humid conditions will cause AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures to peak above 100 degrees for millions,” warned AccuWeather meteorologist Jacob Hinson.
Dangerous heat is forecast from the Midwest to the East Coast. Here's where
Some 170 million Americans to feel dangerous heat through mid-week
Tens of millions of Americans are forecast to feel the effects of dangerous heat through mid-week.
Many cities already saw triple-digit temperatures over the weekend.
Major cities, which already run hotter than the suburbs, could see such conditions for several days. There won’t be much relief overnight, forecasters warned.
Much of the central U.S. will feel highs in well into the mid-90s as a heat dome envelops much of America’s east.
"Vulnerable people, such as the elderly or young children, are most susceptible to heat-related illness," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Jacob Hinson. "Caution should be taken if spending any appreciable amount of time outside, such as by staying hydrated with non-alcoholic beverages, taking frequent breaks and seeking shade."
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But, what is a heat dome? Here's what to know
Temperatures across the Midwest and East Coast will hit dangerous levels next week
A heat dome occurs when a large area of high pressure in the upper atmosphere acts as a reservoir that traps heat and humidity, Ricky Castro, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Illinois, told The Associated Press.
Warm surface air beneath a heat dome can linger for several days or even weeks, threatening human health.
Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the U.S.
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Air quality concern for much of the eastern U.S.
Air quality was shown to be a moderate level across dozens of states, according to IQAir.
An advisory was issued for ozone in New York. Ozone was also a concern in Philadelphia.
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