An intense and historic heat dome is currently engulfing much of the eastern United States, pushing temperatures into the triple digits and affecting cities unaccustomed to such extremes for over a decade.
With cities like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia facing this early summer onslaught, experts note that many individuals have not yet acclimated to the intense heat.
This high-pressure system is effectively trapping hot air from the Southwest, which has already caused discomfort across the Midwest.
Meteorologist Ryan Maue, a former chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), indicated that this heat wave is nearing historic proportions, with a key measurement of high-pressure strength breaking records on Monday.
The peak of this extreme heat is expected to occur in Northeastern cities on Tuesday.
“It’s going to be hot, like an air fryer,” Maue described the situation.
He emphasized that city dwellers vulnerable to the heat would face a three-day stretch of dangerous conditions.
A heat dome occurs when a substantial area of high pressure in the upper atmosphere acts as a reservoir for heat and humidity, causing extended periods of unusually high temperatures, commonly defined as heat waves lasting three days or more.
As of Monday, nearly 245 million people—representing nearly three-quarters of the U.S. population—are facing temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit (about 32 degrees Celsius) or higher.
On Tuesday alone, around 33 million individuals—roughly 10 percent of the country—will experience blistering temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 degrees Celsius), according to Maue.
The government’s heat health website has issued the highest level of heat risk across vast areas spanning from Chicago to Pittsburgh and down to North Carolina and New York.
The unusual nature of these triple-digit temperatures is particularly alarming, as places like New York haven’t exceeded 100 degrees since 2011, and Philadelphia hasn’t reached that milestone since 2012.
In Baltimore, the temperature soared into the high 90s by early Monday afternoon, leading many residents to seek relief at the St. Vincent de Paul resource center.
The oppressive heat also forced the historic Broadway Market food hall nearby to close early after its air conditioning system failed.
Eric Davis Sr., who spends much of his time at a baseball field in west Baltimore, noted how the heat disrupted local events.
“You can’t have kids getting heat stroke,” he remarked, stressing the dangers presented by the conditions.
NOAA meteorologist David Roth highlighted that sudden heat waves can be particularly jarring, as it typically takes time for individuals to acclimate to rising summer temperatures.
“This could represent a temperature spike of as much as 40 degrees compared to last week,” he pointed out, indicating just how significant this sudden change can be.
Longer-term, this heat wave is part of a broader trend of rising temperatures attributed to climate change.
NOAA data indicates that U.S. summers today are 2.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 degrees Celsius) warmer than they were 50 years ago.
According to Climate Central, the likelihood of such a heat wave has tripled due to human-caused climate change resulting from the consumption of coal, oil, and gas.
A critical factor in assessing the danger this heat presents is humidity.
Maue anticipates that dry air could lead to slightly less intense temperatures; however, others warn that high humidity levels may create conditions that feel even more oppressive and dangerous.
Professor Jason Furtado of the University of Oklahoma explained that the wet spring conditions have set the stage for increased evaporation, which could significantly heighten heat indices.
Bernadette Woods Placky, chief meteorologist at Climate Central, indicated that dew points are expected to reach the 70s, creating a tropical feel, with some areas potentially approaching an 80-degree dew point.
These levels of humidity can leave individuals feeling engulfed in heat, as if they are submerged in a swimming pool.
Had this heat wave occurred later in the summer, it might not have posed as serious a threat, as bodies would have gradually adjusted to the rising temperatures.
However, arriving just days before the summer solstice, this heat wave is likely to be shocking for many.
“This will be a shock to the system,” Woods Placky concluded, highlighting the significant health risks involved.
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