4 days ago
Hundreds of Weather Records Could Be Broken Next Week
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
More than 300 temperature records could be challenged next week as the severe heat dome that has prompted countless warnings across much of the United States persists.
Why It Matters
Heat is the deadliest weather hazard in the U.S. High temperatures, especially when paired with high humidity, can increase the chances of heat-related impacts and illnesses.
National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists have issued countless heat advisories and extreme heat warnings across the Midwestern, Central and Southern U.S. this past week, and the oppressive weather is expected to continue next week. In some cases, it will be so severe as to challenge hundreds of local temperature records.
File photo of a thermometer on a hot day.
File photo of a thermometer on a hot day.
Dmitriy83/Getty
What To Know
On Friday, the NWS issued heat advisories across much of the central U.S. and Eastern Seaboard. In some cases, extreme heat warnings were issued.
The heat is expected to persist for several days. The NWS HeatRisk map shows widespread severe heat-related impacts across the central U.S. and Southeast through Saturday. Then, the heat begins to creep eastward by Sunday, while also expanding into the Upper Midwest. Extreme heat-related impacts, the most severe level on the map,are expected in states like South Carolina and Georgia.
Extreme heat-related impacts will continue to affect even more Southern states through Wednesday, until the impacts begin to subside by next Thursday.
Extreme heat-related impacts are described as "rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with no overnight relief affecting anyone without cooling/hydration as well as health systems, industries, and infrastructure."
WFLA-TV chief meteorologist Jeff Berardelli called attention to the intense weather in a post on X on Friday morning.
"This is one of the biggest and most intense heat domes I remember in recent years in the SE/ Midwest," Berardelli posted, alongside a map of the states expecting heat indices of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit next week. "By early week it expands such that everyone in pink has a heat index of 100+, with a few spots peaking near 120. About 350 heat records (day and night) in jeopardy thru next week. Stay cool!!"
This is one of the biggest and most intense heat domes I remember in recent years in the SE/ Midwest. By early week it expands such that everyone in pink has a heat index of 100+, with a few spots peaking near 120. About 350 heat records (day and night) in jeopardy thru next… — Jeff Berardelli (@WeatherProf) July 25, 2025
In many cases, the high minimum temperatures will be the records that are challenged, AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva told Newsweek.
"Record high [minimums] are when your low temperature at night is at a record high," DaSilva said.
As temperatures remain warm even in the nighttime hours, DaSilva said heat-related impacts can be especially severe. Sleep is generally affected, and areas where people often go to cool down, such as cooling centers or movie theaters, are closed.
What People Are Saying
NWS Raleigh posted on X on July 21: "It's been a busy few days, but it's worth noting that Raleigh-Durham Airport only got down to a low of 80 degrees on July 18, which ties the all-time record high minimum temperature. This occurred four other times since records began: in 2010, 1942, 1936, and 1887."
WCNC chief meteorologist Brad Panovich posted on X on Thursday: "The next 7 days will be brutal and possibly the hottest 7-day period on record for #Charlotte, but signs of relief are evident in the long-range 8-14 day outlook, with below-average temperatures. So take it easy and be ready for relief."
FOX Weather posted on X on Friday: "EXTREME HEAT ALERT: New York City is under a major heat dome, bringing extreme humidity and potentially record-high temps with the mercury hitting the 90s and feels-like temps soaring past 100 degrees."
East Tennessee Weather Network posted on X on Friday: "Higher than the typical summertime temperatures are expected this weekend into next week across the area, as near-record highs & lows mixed with humidity will make it feel 100-105+ at times, especially in urban areas. Heat stroke is an emergency."
What Happens Next
Although the heat dome is expected to persist well into next week, there's hope on the horizon. The NWS Climate Prediction Center anticipates below-average temperatures for the Upper Midwest, Central U.S. and Northeast from August 1 to 7. However, during the same time frame, slightly above-average temperatures are expected across the South and West.
