An expanding heat dome Sunday had 100 million people across 27 states on alert for extremely high temperatures coast to coast, including America’s two largest cities.
While Los Angeles is under a heat advisory with temperatures forecast to reach 90 to 100 degrees on Sunday, an extreme heat risk warning has been issued for New York City, where a daily high-temperature record that has stood for 136 years could be broken.
On June 23, 1888, the record high for New York City was 96 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
People put their feet in the water to cool off at the US World War II Memorial in Washington, DC, June 19, 2024.
Drew Angerer/AFP via Getty Images
Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C.; Norfolk, Virginia, and parts of Oklahoma, including Tulsa, are also under extreme heat warnings.
The temperature in Washington, D.C., climbed to 100 degrees on Saturday, making it the first time the nation’s capital has hit the century mark in June since 2012.
Children play with water guns at a splash pad at LeFrak Center at Lakeside at Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York, June 20, 2024.
Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images
Baltimore also marked its first 100-degree June day in 12 years when temperatures on Saturday rose to 101 degrees, setting a new daily record. With the temperature forecast to reach the high 90s, Baltimore could see another daily record fall on Sunday.
Daily high-temperature records could also be threatened in Philadelphia, Salt Lake City and Greenville, Mississippi.
Heat risk map.
ABC News
Out west, scorching triple-digit weather is expected for California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah.
Palm Springs, California, is forecast to reach 111 degrees on Sunday and 112 degrees by Tuesday. Fresno, California, is forecast to reach 106 degrees on Sunday, while temperatures in Las Vegas were expected to soar to 109 on Sunday and 110 on Monday.
Heat wave map.
ABC News
Phoenix is forecast to reach 111 degrees on Tuesday.
A cold front headed to the Northeast is forecast to cool things down, but could also bring severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes.
A tornado watch has been issued for parts of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine until 8 p.m. ET. It’s the highest tornado risk in this area in more than six years. Meanwhile, there have already been numerous severe thunderstorm warnings as of Sunday afternoon.
Severe weather threat map.
ABC News
Damaging wind and tornadoes are possible with severe thunderstorms in the Northeast through Sunday evening. New England states — including Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire — are forecast to be in the bullseye for the greatest threat of severe weather.
Stormy weather is also expected Sunday afternoon in the areas of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and through the Ohio Valley.
On Monday, Minnesota and Wisconsin could see strong winds and the possibility of tornadoes.
On Tuesday, the threat of severe storms is expected to move into Chicago, Detroit and Omaha, Nebraska.
As the summer months approach, 27 states across the United States are bracing themselves for extreme temperatures as a heat dome expands over the region. This weather phenomenon, known as a heat dome, occurs when a high-pressure system traps hot air underneath it, causing temperatures to soar to dangerous levels.
According to meteorologists, this heat dome is expected to bring record-breaking temperatures to parts of the Midwest, South, and Northeast, with some areas experiencing highs in the triple digits. As a result, over 100 million people are at risk of suffering from heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
In preparation for the extreme temperatures, officials are urging residents to take precautions to stay safe and cool during the heatwave. This includes staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, and seeking shelter in air-conditioned spaces if possible.
Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, young children, and those with chronic health conditions, are particularly at risk during extreme heat events. It is important for communities to check on their neighbors and loved ones to ensure they are staying safe and cool during this time.
In addition to individual precautions, local governments and organizations are also taking steps to help mitigate the effects of the heatwave. Cooling centers have been set up in many communities to provide relief for those without access to air conditioning, and emergency services are on high alert to respond to any heat-related emergencies.
As climate change continues to impact weather patterns around the world, extreme heat events like this one are becoming more common. It is crucial for communities to be prepared and proactive in dealing with these dangerous conditions to ensure the health and safety of all residents.
In conclusion, as 27 states and over 100 million people prepare for extreme temperatures brought on by a expanding heat dome, it is important for individuals to take precautions, stay informed, and look out for one another during this challenging time. By working together and staying vigilant, we can weather this heatwave safely and come out stronger on the other side.
