Dangerous heat dome scorches millions of Americans
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Over 170 million Americans are roasting under a giant heat dome that is sending temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the eastern US. AccuWeather is calling this the first widespread heat wave of the year , with 25 states falling under this 'record-challenging' event. AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter warned: 'This is a strong and dangerous heat wave to kick off the summer.'
There will be little relief from the heat at night on Tuesday with temperatures expected to stay above 80 in many cities throughout the Northeast. Porter added that this significantly increases the risk of heat-related illnesses among Americans who don't have air conditioning or those who are particularly vulnerable to hot weather, like the elderly. Major cities, including Baltimore, New York, and Philadelphia are predicted to hit 100 degrees through at least Tuesday.
This would mark the first time in decades that these Northeastern cities experienced triple-digit heat in June. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an extreme heat warnings for Tuesday, urging everyone from Richmond, Virginia to Boston, Massachusetts to limit their time outdoors as much as possible. Parts of eastern and northern New England, including cities in Massachusetts and Maine, which AccuWeather noted are sometimes spared extreme heat domes, may reach 100 degrees when the heat peaks Tuesday afternoon.
Meteorologists said that the heat will be less extreme in the Midwest, but temperatures are still expected to reach the 90s as the heat dome stretches into the center of the country. A heat dome is a weather phenomenon where a large area of high-pressure air traps hot air underneath it, like a lid on a pot. Imagine a giant bubble of warm air getting stuck over a region of the US, preventing cooler air from moving in.
This causes temperatures to soar, often leading to prolonged heat waves with very high temperatures and humidity. This week's heat dome covers move than half of the US, with large metropolitan areas like Cincinnati, Detroit, Indianapolis, Memphis, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis also baking in the humid weather. The forecast for Wednesday is almost as grim, with AccuWeather's 'real feel' temperatures projected to exceed 100 degrees across most of the US, from New York to Dallas.
The heat will be even worse in the Southeast, as meteorologists warn that it'll feel like 110 degrees in parts of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia, and the Carolinas. Temperature is only one part of the equation that's endangering the public during this heat wave - the UV index is also important. The ultraviolet index is a measurement of the strength of sunburn-producing UV radiation. It shows how strong the sun's UV rays are. The higher the index, the stronger the rays.
Zero to two means there is little danger from the sun, but an index of just three to five is considered risky and people are advised to wear sun protection, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and sun-protective clothing. At a six or seven, there is moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Eight to 10 indicates high risk and people may experience burns in under 10 minutes. Anything 11 or above is very high risk and people with fair skin can experience dangerous burns in just five minutes. People are advised to stay indoors or avoid the sun completely.
Forecast maps for Tuesday revealed that the UV index along the entire East Coast was projected to be between eight and 10, adding more urgency to the NWS's warning to stay indoors. The extreme temperatures this week have affected more than people, it's also destroyed American infrastructure as well. Just before 3pm ET Sunday afternoon, a video captured a roadway in Cape Giradeau, Missouri splitting open under the stress of the heat.
A gray Toyota traveling past a local car dealership was sent into the air by the broken pavement, according to KFVS News. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures caused the road's surface materials to expand, and without enough space to relieve this pressure, the pavement buckled - resulting in the sudden rise upwards. The AccuWeather team recommended that everyone should wear lightweight and light-colored clothing this week as the heat dome persists.
Additionally, Americans need to watch out for their pets, children, and seniors, who tend to be the most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke. The best ways to beat the heat Tuesday will be to drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity, and stay out of direct sunlight.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Jacob Hinson added that anyone who has to be outdoors on Tuesday or Wednesday should make sure to take frequent breaks in the shade and also avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes you use the bathroom more than usual. This causes your body to lose water and essential fluids faster.
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