Latest news with #heatalerts
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Summer nights are getting warmer due to climate change, sparking health concerns
When you typically think about extreme heat, a sweltering, sunny day may come first to mind. But climate scientists are also sounding the alarm on warm summer nights, saying they are quietly becoming a worrisome consequence of climate change -- and a serious public health concern. When nighttime temperatures don't drop low enough relative to peak daytime heat, it is harder for people to cool off, according to Climate Central, a nonprofit organization that analyzes and reports on climate science. Extreme heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States, with heat waves responsible for more deaths than other extreme weather events like tornadoes, flooding, or hurricanes, according to the National Weather Service. This week, more than 200 million people across the U.S. from South Dakota to Florida and up the East Coast to Boston, are on alert for widespread, dangerous heat. Extreme heat warnings have been issued for large cities from Iowa to Florida, including New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis, Omaha, Des Moines, Savannah, Raleigh, Charleston and Sioux Falls. In these areas, feels-like temperatures are forecast to soar into the triple digits during the afternoon hours, with the dangers remaining even after the sun sets. A dangerous temperature trend From 1970 to 2024, Climate Central analyzed average summer nighttime temperatures in 241 locations across the U.S. The organization found that these temperatures have warmed in nearly all locations, increasing by 3.1 degrees Fahrenheit on average. MORE: Heat indices could hit 120 as sweltering temperatures grip eastern half of US Looking to the future, warm summer nights are expected to become increasingly frequent in the coming decades, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In many regions across the country, the EPA reports nighttime temperatures are projected to remain above 70 degrees Fahrenheit more often. Health risks The most serious health impacts of a heat wave are often associated with warm overnight temperatures, the EPA warns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) echoes these warnings, saying if the air stays too warm at night, the body faces extra strain trying to regulate body temperature. Without this crucial drop in temperature, vulnerable populations -- including elderly people, children, and those with pre-existing conditions -- face heightened health risks, according to the agency. MORE: Heat stroke vs. heat exhaustion: Safety tips as dangerous temperatures hit US Prolonged exposure to high heat in the evenings has been linked to poorer sleep quality, which can impair immune function, exacerbate mental health issues, and increase the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, according to the CDC. While extreme heat and triple-digit temperatures frequently are the focus of attention and grab headlines, the lack of adequate overnight cooling is also a serious concern that amplifies the impacts of heat. Overnight cooling is essential for not just the human body, but infrastructure and ecosystems to recover after a hot day. Cities feel heightened temperatures Warmer overnight temperatures are also fueled by urban development. Cities with heat-retaining concrete and asphalt are particularly vulnerable to higher temperatures when vegetation is lost to more paved surfaces and buildings, according to the EPA. Compared with surrounding rural areas, urban locations have higher overall temperatures, especially at night. This is known as the "urban heat island" effect. Rising concentrations of greenhouse gases and increased atmospheric moisture are major contributors to the ongoing rise in nighttime temperatures seen in recent decades. As the atmosphere warms, it can hold more water vapor, which functions like an insulating layer, trapping heat and significantly limiting the amount of cooling that can occur at night, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Why do heat domes bring oppressive temperatures?
Dangerously hot and humid conditions are choking nearly the entire eastern half of the United States this week, caused by a 'heat dome' that's parked over parts of the country. Heat alerts were in effect Wednesday for around 150 million people. Temperatures over 95 degrees Fahrenheit were widespread across the Ohio Valley and through the East Coast. 'Extremely dangerous heat' is expected to persist through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. But what is a heat dome, and why does the phenomenon bring oppressive heat with it? A heat dome occurs when a strong and persistent region of high pressure sits over land and traps hot air, like a lid on a pot. Heat domes are usually affected by the behavior of the jet stream, a ribbon of fast-moving air high in the atmosphere that flows from west to east in the Northern Hemisphere and affects weather systems. The jet stream is fueled by temperature differences between the colder polar region to the north and warmer air masses to the south. As the jet stream flows around the planet, it can ripple in places, creating troughs and ridges that often result in unusual weather patterns. Certain ripples can, for instance, amplify cold snaps. Others can move hot air over land, blasting heat and intensifying humidity. Heat domes can linger for days or weeks, fueling prolonged heat waves that can turn deadly. Heat-related illness and death can affect any person of any age, but children, people with pre-existing health conditions and the elderly are particularly susceptible when temperatures spike. Climate change is also increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves around the world, studies have shown. The planet's 10 hottest years since 1850 have all occurred in the past decade, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Some relief is expected later this week across the Midwest and throughout the East Coast, but heat and humidity are expected to remain high in the coming days. This article was originally published on
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Extreme heat blankets U.S., with almost 160 million under alerts from Texas to Maine
A dangerous heat wave continues to grip almost the entire eastern half of the United States, with temperatures expected to spike Tuesday and dozens of new record highs possible across a huge swath of the country. Nearly 160 million people are under heat alerts from eastern Texas to Maine, as temperatures are forecast to be as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit above seasonal averages. Highs in the triple digits are possible along the East Coast, with temperatures in New York City and Washington, D.C., rivaling Death Valley in California. Temperatures over 95 degrees will be widespread across the central and eastern United States. Heat index values — a measure of what conditions 'feel like' when humidity and air temperatures are combined — are expected to be well into the triple digits throughout the region, with some places possibly reaching as high as 115 degrees. The multiday heat wave, which began over the weekend, has already proven deadly: A woman in St. Ann, Missouri, died Monday of heat-related causes, according to the city's police chief, Aaron Jimenez. She died in her home after having no water or air conditioning for at least three days, Jimenez told NBC News. In Paterson, New Jersey, more than 100 people needed treatment during two outdoor graduation ceremonies Monday as the heat index climbed to 107 degrees. Monday evening, Mayor André Sayegh declared a state of emergency due to the high heat and canceled all recreational activities. More than 60 record-high temperatures were set across the country Monday, with more expected this week from the Southeast into New England. Preliminary daily records were set Tuesday in New York City (which hit 99 degrees), Philadelphia (which reached 100 degrees for the first time since 2012) and Raleigh, North Carolina (which hit 100 degrees). New all-time June monthly records were set in Boston (101 degrees) and Providence, Rhode Island (100 degrees), and Newark, New Jersey, tied its June record of 103 degrees. Conditions are expected to remain stiflingly hot through the evening hours, according to the National Weather Service. 'Overnight lows are forecast to only drop into the 70s, with urban centers along the East Coast struggling to drop below 80 degrees at night,' the weather service said Tuesday in its short-range forecast. The sweltering conditions are caused by a high-pressure ridge that is parked over the eastern United States. Such systems are known as heat domes because they trap hot air over a region, driving up temperatures for prolonged periods. Some relief is expected later this week, heading into the weekend, but heat and humidity will continue to soar in the coming days. 'The most significant cumulative heat impacts are anticipated across the Mid-Atlantic through Thursday and eastern Ohio Valley into Friday, leading to several consecutive days of oppressive heat,' the weather service said. Anyone is susceptible to heat-related illness or death, but excessively hot and humid conditions — especially for days on end — are particularly risky for children, people with pre-existing health conditions, older adults and individuals who work outdoors. These health impacts are a significant concern as heat waves become more frequent, intense and longer-lasting due to climate change. As the eastern half of the country bakes under the heat dome, severe storms could hit parts of Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota and Nebraska. Heavy rainfall and flooding is also possible for much of New Mexico and far southwestern Texas. This article was originally published on
CNN
24-06-2025
- Climate
- CNN
It will be the hottest day in over a decade for parts of the East Coast as extreme heat wave reaches its peak
Extreme temperaturesFacebookTweetLink Follow A long-lasting extreme heat wave is reaching its dangerous crescendo Tuesday, likely bringing the hottest day in a decade to some major East Coast cities and putting millions of already fatigued Americans at risk. The brutal conditions, spurred by a potent heat dome, are peaking Tuesday after Monday's heat in the East reached levels rivaling summer's hottest weather and started to take a serious toll. Two high school graduations in Paterson, New Jersey, in Monday's sweltering conditions sent 16 people to the emergency room and over 150 people were evaluated for heat-related illnesses, Paterson Fire Chief Alejandro Alicea told CNN. In Baltimore, an Amtrak train stalled in a tunnel and left passengers trapped in the heat for over an hour Monday afternoon. 'I honestly thought I was going to collapse on the train, and I'm fairly young and in good shape,' passenger Laura Evans told CNN, adding several of the train's cars were without air conditioning even at the start of the journey. The extreme temperatures also prompted closures of some attractions, including the Washington Monument in Washington, DC, which closed Monday and remained closed Tuesday due to an Extreme Heat Warning, according to an alert on the National Park Service website. Nearly 160 million people in the eastern half of the US are under heat alerts Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Heat remains the deadliest form of extreme weather in the US. Globally, heat waves are becoming more frequent, more severe and longer-lasting as the world warms due to human-caused climate change. Nighttime temperatures are taking the hardest hit from climate change, and are warming faster than daytime highs. Extreme heat also takes a toll on infrastructure, causing materials like concrete and asphalt to expand and warp. Parts of key thoroughfares in Milwaukee and Green Bay, Wisconsin, suburbs were closed after buckling under searing heat Sunday, local officials said. More than 50 buckles were reported in the state, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Similar scenes unfolded in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and the city warned more streets could crack as the heat persists. Rail and air travel could face continued challenges as temperatures peak Tuesday. Tuesday will likely be the hottest day of the week for many in the East, but a level 4-of-4 extreme heat risk is in place through at least Thursday that stretches from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic and includes parts of the Northeast. It feels more like July, summer's hottest month, than June for many locations Tuesday as temperatures rise 15 to 20 degrees above normal. Triple-digit high temperatures will set in from the Carolinas north into southern New England – including every major I-95 city. Tuesday in Boston could be hotter than it's ever been in June. The forecast high of 101 degrees would break the June high temperature record and come within 3 degrees of the all-time record. Philadelphia could also make a run for its all-time hottest June day – 102 degrees – with a forecast high of 101. A high of 101 degrees would also make Tuesday the city's hottest-ever day this early in the summer. The city broke Monday's daily high temperature record when it reached 99 degrees. New York City could hit 100 degrees for the first time in over a decade on Tuesday. The city's last triple-digit temperature happened on July 18, 2012, but it hasn't been 100 degrees during June since 1966 – nearly 60 years. Like Philadelphia, a high of 100 degrees would make Tuesday New York's hottest day this early in the season. Monday marked the city's hottest day in nearly three years. Washington, DC, is forecast to notch its first 100-degree day of the year on Tuesday – something that doesn't typically happen until mid-July. A high of 101 degrees in the nation's capital would break Tuesday's daily record of 100 degrees. Parts of the East Coast will start to see some relief from the historically hot weather Wednesday, though it'll be a slow start. Wednesday will still be very hot, but not quite as extreme for many. Record-breaking temperatures are possible, mainly in the mid-Atlantic, but triple-digit temperatures will be a thing of the past for the Northeast. Heat more typical of late June will arrive on Thursday and continue into the weekend. This heat wave is likely only the opening act of a hot summer to come for the East. A hotter than normal summer is expected for the entire Lower 48, according to the Climate Prediction Center. CNN's Chris Boyette, Sarah Dewberry, Taylor Romine, Amanda Musa, Jillian Sykes, Tyler Ory and Luke Snyder contributed to this report
CNN
24-06-2025
- Climate
- CNN
It will be the hottest day in over a decade for parts of the East Coast as extreme heat wave reaches its peak
A long-lasting extreme heat wave is reaching its dangerous crescendo Tuesday, likely bringing the hottest day in a decade to some major East Coast cities and putting millions of already fatigued Americans at risk. The brutal conditions, spurred by a potent heat dome, are peaking Tuesday after Monday's heat in the East reached levels rivaling summer's hottest weather and started to take a serious toll. Two high school graduations in Paterson, New Jersey, in Monday's sweltering conditions sent 16 people to the emergency room and over 150 people were evaluated for heat-related illnesses, Paterson Fire Chief Alejandro Alicea told CNN. In Baltimore, an Amtrak train stalled in a tunnel and left passengers trapped in the heat for over an hour Monday afternoon. 'I honestly thought I was going to collapse on the train, and I'm fairly young and in good shape,' passenger Laura Evans told CNN, adding several of the train's cars were without air conditioning even at the start of the journey. The extreme temperatures also prompted closures of some attractions, including the Washington Monument in Washington, DC, which closed Monday and remained closed Tuesday due to an Extreme Heat Warning, according to an alert on the National Park Service website. Nearly 160 million people in the eastern half of the US are under heat alerts Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Heat remains the deadliest form of extreme weather in the US. Globally, heat waves are becoming more frequent, more severe and longer-lasting as the world warms due to human-caused climate change. Nighttime temperatures are taking the hardest hit from climate change, and are warming faster than daytime highs. Extreme heat also takes a toll on infrastructure, causing materials like concrete and asphalt to expand and warp. Parts of key thoroughfares in Milwaukee and Green Bay, Wisconsin, suburbs were closed after buckling under searing heat Sunday, local officials said. More than 50 buckles were reported in the state, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Similar scenes unfolded in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and the city warned more streets could crack as the heat persists. Rail and air travel could face continued challenges as temperatures peak Tuesday. Tuesday will likely be the hottest day of the week for many in the East, but a level 4-of-4 extreme heat risk is in place through at least Thursday that stretches from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic and includes parts of the Northeast. It feels more like July, summer's hottest month, than June for many locations Tuesday as temperatures rise 15 to 20 degrees above normal. Triple-digit high temperatures will set in from the Carolinas north into southern New England – including every major I-95 city. Tuesday in Boston could be hotter than it's ever been in June. The forecast high of 101 degrees would break the June high temperature record and come within 3 degrees of the all-time record. Philadelphia could also make a run for its all-time hottest June day – 102 degrees – with a forecast high of 101. A high of 101 degrees would also make Tuesday the city's hottest-ever day this early in the summer. The city broke Monday's daily high temperature record when it reached 99 degrees. New York City could hit 100 degrees for the first time in over a decade on Tuesday. The city's last triple-digit temperature happened on July 18, 2012, but it hasn't been 100 degrees during June since 1966 – nearly 60 years. Like Philadelphia, a high of 100 degrees would make Tuesday New York's hottest day this early in the season. Monday marked the city's hottest day in nearly three years. Washington, DC, is forecast to notch its first 100-degree day of the year on Tuesday – something that doesn't typically happen until mid-July. A high of 101 degrees in the nation's capital would break Tuesday's daily record of 100 degrees. Parts of the East Coast will start to see some relief from the historically hot weather Wednesday, though it'll be a slow start. Wednesday will still be very hot, but not quite as extreme for many. Record-breaking temperatures are possible, mainly in the mid-Atlantic, but triple-digit temperatures will be a thing of the past for the Northeast. Heat more typical of late June will arrive on Thursday and continue into the weekend. This heat wave is likely only the opening act of a hot summer to come for the East. A hotter than normal summer is expected for the entire Lower 48, according to the Climate Prediction Center. CNN's Chris Boyette, Sarah Dewberry, Taylor Romine, Amanda Musa, Jillian Sykes, Tyler Ory and Luke Snyder contributed to this report
