Summer's First Heatwave: A Scorching Start for the Central and Eastern US

A significant heatwave is set to hit the central and eastern US, starting this weekend and lasting until the end of next week. This weather event is often called a "heat dome. " It happens when hot air gets trapped under high pressure in the atmosphere. Millions of people will feel the impact, from the Great Plains to the mid-Atlantic states, including major cities like New York and Philadelphia. The heatwave arrives just as summer begins, bringing temperatures that could reach or exceed 100F (37. 7C) in many places. This intense heat is expected to stick around until the high-pressure system weakens next weekend. Experts are advising people to stay indoors and keep cool, especially at night, when temperatures might not drop much. Heat domes have become more frequent in the US due to rising global temperatures. Extreme heat is a serious threat. Since 1995, it has caused more deaths in the US than hurricanes and tornadoes combined. Last year alone, 238 people lost their lives due to extreme heat. This heatwave poses a high risk of heat-related illnesses, as many people's bodies are not yet used to such high temperatures and humidity.By Friday, over 40 million people were already under heat alerts. Temperatures soared above 90F in large parts of Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. The heat is expected to spread north and east over the weekend, affecting states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. By early to midweek, the entire region, stretching as far east as Maine, will experience high temperatures and humidity. The health risks are real. When nighttime temperatures do not drop significantly, the body does not get the break it needs. This can lead to heat illness, heatstroke, and even death. Some states and cities have set up cooling stations to help vulnerable people, especially those without homes. However, only a few states have legal protections for outdoor workers during extreme heat. In some places, efforts to protect workers from heat have been removed.