The National Weather Service (NWS) in the United States reported that on Monday, July 28, the eastern half of the country experienced a severe heatwave, with approximately 200 million people under various levels of heat advisories, including around 24 million people facing the highest level of “extreme heat warning.” It is expected that temperatures will soar in most parts of the East Coast, South, and Midwest, with the scorching weather expected to persist into the middle of this week.
The warning spans from inland South Dakota to Texas, then extends all the way to the East Coast, covering the Southern Plains, Midwest, Southeast, and Atlantic coastal regions.
Authorities have issued “extreme heat warnings” for several areas including Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Missouri, Kansas, Tennessee, Illinois, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
Major cities covered by the extreme heat warning include St. Louis (Missouri), Memphis (Tennessee), Raleigh (North Carolina), Sioux Falls (South Dakota), and Des Moines (Iowa).
Furthermore, cities on the East Coast and in the Midwest such as New York City, Detroit, Milwaukee, Chicago, Boston, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Philadelphia have also issued various heat advisories and warnings.
The National Weather Service indicated that extreme heat is expected to continue in most parts of the southeastern United States this week, with the most dangerous combination of high temperatures and humidity expected to last until Wednesday. Some areas may experience heat index values exceeding 110 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 43 to 46 degrees Celsius).
The meteorological agency advises the public to stay hydrated, stay in air-conditioned rooms, avoid direct sunlight, and regularly check on the health of family and neighbors. When going outside, it is recommended to wear light clothing and avoid strenuous activities during the day. If symptoms of heatstroke or heat exhaustion occur, individuals should immediately cool down and seek medical assistance.
Health authorities have noted that infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with mental illnesses, and those with chronic conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and poor circulation are at high risk in hot weather.
According to health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, symptoms of heatstroke include a body temperature exceeding 103 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 39.4 degrees Celsius), red and dry or moist and hot skin, rapid pulse, nausea, dizziness, headache, confusion, and even fainting, all of which require immediate medical attention and dialing 911.
In addition to the threat of high temperatures, the National Weather Service has also warned that thunderstorms in South Dakota may develop into a “derecho” storm on Monday night. A derecho is a type of widespread, rapidly moving, linear convective storm system that can cause sudden extensive damage, accompanied by fast-moving clusters of thunderstorms. This storm system is expected to affect parts of southern Minnesota and northern Iowa, with gusts in some areas potentially reaching speeds of 75 miles per hour (approximately 120 kilometers per hour).
The Weather Service noted that this storm may also be accompanied by tornadoes and hail, with parts of the Northern Plains and Midwest likely to experience heavy rainfall, potentially leading to flash flooding.