This week, a heat dome is set to engulf the United States, marking the dramatic arrival of summer with oppressive temperatures and high humidity affecting millions across the nation.
Regions particularly at risk over the weekend include large areas of Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa, where forecasters are emphasizing the severe effects of extreme temperatures.
Tom Kines, a meteorologist from AccuWeather, noted that many in these states have been eagerly awaiting summer’s arrival.
“A lot of those folks have been saying, where’s summer? Well, buckle up, because it’s coming,” Kines remarked.
As temperatures climb above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), the humidity will push the heat index to feel like it’s up to 20 degrees hotter.
### Understanding the Heat Dome
A heat dome develops when a significant area of high pressure in the upper atmosphere entraps heat and humidity, according to Ricky Castro, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Illinois.
The National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Prediction Center forecasts that daytime temperatures will soar into the 90s Fahrenheit (30s Celsius), with nighttime lows remaining in the mid-70s Fahrenheit (mid-20s Celsius) in areas ranging from the Great Lakes to the East Coast.
This heat wave is projected to persist into the upcoming week.
On Friday, Denver may hit 100°F (38°C), while Chicago is expected to reach 96°F (36°C) on Sunday.
Washington, D.C., is forecast to experience highs of 99°F (37°C) on Tuesday, with New York’s Central Park potentially warming up to 96°F (36°C).
### Health Risks from High Temperatures
Several Midwestern states are bracing for serious health risks as they enter the weekend.
According to NWS classifications, parts of Nebraska and Kansas will find themselves in the highest of four warning categories on Saturday, indicating that individuals lacking proper cooling methods or hydration may face health hazards.
By Sunday, states like Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Illinois will also receive a category 4 warning.
High humidity complicates the body’s ability to cool down.
Humidity refers to the water vapor present in the air, and the heat index reflects what the temperature feels like when humidity is considered.
On humid days, sweat does not evaporate as effectively, which hampers the natural cooling mechanism of the body.
Extreme heat combined with high humidity can lead to dangerous situations where the body cannot regulate its temperature, exacerbating existing health issues and potentially resulting in heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
NWS advises individuals to limit their time in direct sunlight, wear light and loose clothing, stay hydrated, and seek relief in air-conditioned environments during these extreme heat conditions.
### Comparisons with Dry Heat
Interestingly, regions like Phoenix, Arizona are known for their intense heat, yet they lack the oppressive humidity.
This ‘dry heat’ is attributed to geographical factors, including distance from expansive water sources, mountains that obstruct moist air, and weather patterns leading to low precipitation.
In dry climates, sweat evaporates quickly, which can lead to an underestimation of dehydration levels.
### The Role of Agriculture in Humidity
In states like Iowa, the agricultural landscape can also influence humidity levels during summer months.
“Corn sweat” is a term familiar to many Midwesterners and refers to the process by which plants release moisture, creating a humid environment.
Ryan Marquardt, a farmer from Madison County, Iowa, explained that while corn sweat might not feel as intense as a sauna, it does contribute to a notably humid atmosphere in cornfields.
However, experts at Ohio State University indicate that the contribution of corn sweat to overall humidity is minimal compared to the Gulf of Mexico’s moist air being blown northward.
As the U.S. braces for this upcoming heat spike, awareness and preparedness will be key in ensuring the safety and health of communities across affected regions.
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