A heat dome is set to envelop significant parts of the United States this week, resulting in a surge of oppressive temperatures and uncomfortable humidity levels impacting millions.
This heat wave is expected to be particularly alarming this weekend, predominantly across Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa, where forecasters are highlighting the risks associated with extreme temperatures.
Meteorologist Tom Kines from AccuWeather has noted that many in the Midwest and along the East Coast have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of summer.
He advised residents to brace themselves as true summertime temperatures are finally predicted to make their debut.
As daytime highs soar above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), the accompanying humidity is anticipated to elevate the heat index, making the air feel up to 20 degrees hotter.
The formation of this heat dome is part of a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere that traps heat and moisture, according to Ricky Castro, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Illinois.
The NWS Weather Prediction Center has forecasted that the oppressive heat will grip areas from the Great Lakes through the East Coast, with daytime temperatures climbing into the 90s Fahrenheit (30s Celsius).
Overnight lows during the heat wave are projected to remain in the mid-70s Fahrenheit (mid-20s Celsius), illustrating the potential for prolonged discomfort.
Moisture being transported northward from the Gulf of Mexico is a key factor contributing to the humid conditions, explains Jacob Asherman of the Weather Prediction Center.
This surge in Gulf moisture is a common occurrence during late spring and summer months.
As the heat continues to spread, other cities are also forecasted to experience extreme temperatures.
On Friday, Denver is predicted to reach a scorching 100°F (38°C), while Chicago is expected to see highs of 96°F (36°C) on Sunday.
By Tuesday, Washington, D.C. could record temperatures reaching 99°F (37°C), and New York’s Central Park might hit a high of 96°F (36°C).
In the Midwest, several states will endure dangerous heat impacts over the weekend.
The National Weather Service uses a scale of zero to four to assess the risk level associated with extreme heat.
On Saturday, parts of Nebraska and Kansas will find themselves in the most severe category, indicating significant health risks for those lacking effective cooling or proper hydration.
As temperatures soar to dangerous levels, states like Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Illinois will also receive a category 4 rating on Sunday.
Humidity plays a crucial role in how our bodies perceive heat.
Simply put, humidity refers to the moisture content in the air, while the heat index measures what the temperature feels like when this humidity is taken into account.
Under oppressive humidity, sweating becomes less effective for cooling the body, making hot and humid days particularly hazardous.
This combination can worsen existing health issues and may even lead to heat stroke.
To cope with extreme heat, the National Weather Service suggests minimizing direct sun exposure, dressing in loose and light-colored clothing, staying hydrated, and seeking refuge in air-conditioned areas.
Some regions of the U.S., like Phoenix, Arizona, are distinguished by their arid conditions, often described as ‘dry heat.’
Phoenix, along with nearby desert areas, experiences such weather patterns due to their distance from large bodies of water and mountains that obstruct moist air flows.
In dry climates, sweat evaporates more quickly than in humid conditions, which can lead people to misestimate their hydration levels, according to experts at Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Health System.
Interestingly, agricultural practices can also contribute to humidity levels during the summer months.
In regions like Iowa, the phenomenon known as ‘corn sweat’ occurs when crops transfer water to their leaves, allowing it to evaporate.
Farmer Ryan Marquardt from Madison County, Iowa, described corn sweat as some degree of humidity that resembles a sauna effect, making the cornfields a notably humid environment.
However, the contribution of cornfields to overall humidity is relatively small compared to the moisture brought in from the Gulf of Mexico, as noted by experts at Ohio State University.
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