A prolonged and dangerous heatwave is set to intensify across a large swathe of the United States this week, bringing scorching daytime heat, high humidity and stifling overnight temperatures, forecasters warn.
As of Tuesday, roughly 120 million people across the country are under an extreme heat warning, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), just as Americans head into the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
To the north, much of Canada also began experiencing its own heatwave on Tuesday, with temperatures expected to reach up to 37C (99F) in Ontario. The extreme weather follows an unprecedented early summer heatwave that scorched large parts of Europe in recent days, breaking temperature records across the continent.
How widespread will the heat be?
The heatwave is expected to affect a broad stretch of the country, extending from the East Coast into central regions. Starting Thursday, an estimated 250 million people are expected to face some level of dangerous heat, forecasters say.
The extreme conditions, driven by a heat dome, are expected to peak in the Midwest and Mississippi Valley by Thursday, according to the NWS. The heat will then shift eastward into the Ohio Valley and East Coast heading into the holiday weekend.
Temperatures are forecast to range between 95F and 105F, with high humidity pushing the heat index to between 100F and 115F. Daily temperature records are likely to fall on Thursday and Friday, with some monthly and even all-time records possible.
Officials urge caution
Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to limit time outdoors, stay hydrated and make sure they have access to air conditioning or cooling centres.
In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has activated a heat emergency plan, with hundreds of cooling centres opening across the city on Wednesday. In Detroit, Michigan – where temperatures could climb to 100F – a dozen recreation centres with air conditioning have opened for residents seeking relief.
Impact on the World Cup
The extreme heat could also affect World Cup matches, with some heat index levels expected to exceed the safety threshold set by global players’ union FIFPRO.
The hottest conditions are expected in Texas, primarily affecting fans travelling to and from air-conditioned stadiums in Houston and Arlington. Similar concerns apply to Wednesday’s England v DR Congo match in Atlanta, Georgia.
Heat continues into Canada
In Canada, high temperatures are expected to persist until Thursday, particularly in Ontario, where the mercury could hit 37C (99F) this week. Despite the heat, Toronto is set to host a World Cup match on Thursday, when temperatures are forecast to reach 35C (95F).
Canada has issued orange heat warnings – the second-highest level in its three-tier alert system – for Ontario. Central and eastern parts of the province, including Montreal, are also expected to see elevated temperatures, with yellow heat warnings, the lowest tier, currently in effect.
News Source: BBC News
Disclaimer
This News is intended for general informational purposes only and reflects weather forecasts and official warnings available at the time of publication. Weather conditions, forecasts and heat warnings can change rapidly. Readers should consult official sources such as the National Weather Service or Environment Canada for the most current and location-specific information, and follow local authorities’ guidance during extreme heat events.
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