Southeast Heat Wave Shows No Signs Of Letting Up—Record Highs Possible In These Cities Next Week

Topline

A heat wave that brought stifling temperatures to areas of the Southeast and the Midwest for the past week is expected to continue into at least the early part of next week, threatening millions of Americans with prolonged, dangerously high temperatures.

Key Facts

Much of the eastern half of the U.S. has been under either an excessive heat warning or heat advisory over the past few days, which brought record-breaking heat to places like Chicago, Kansas City and Madison, Wisconsin.

Areas of the Ohio Valley felt relief from the heat Saturday, but heat bulletins remained in place through much of the Southeast and Midwest.

Temperatures are expected to climb even more in those regions in the coming days, with cities such as St. Louis, Atlanta and Nashville all forecast to set new record highs as the mercury pushes to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

All three cities set record highs over the past week.

Most of Texas is also forecast to continue scorching under 100+ degree heat, with high temperatures of at least 100 predicted in Austin every day over the next week.

Crucial Quote

“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the National Weather Service said in an excessive heat warning bulletin. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.”

Key Background

A high pressure system commonly called a “heat dome” is to blame for the high temperatures, with the system causing stagnant air and suppressing rainfall. The heat dome was initially parked over the Southwest, causing record highs in Phoenix, Las Vegas and Death Valley before gradually pushing eastward. Forecasters also warn about little nighttime relief for the millions trapped under the heat dome, as lows in many areas will not drop below 80 degrees.

Contra

Temperatures are expected to be far below average this weekend in the Northeast, Great Lakes region and Pacific Northwest. Highs in northern New England will struggle to get out of the 40s on Saturday, according to forecasters.

Further Reading

More Than 70 Million Bake In Record-Breaking Southwest Heat Wave—And It’s Pushing East (Forbes)

Massive Western Heat Wave Spreading East—From Colorado To South Carolina (Forbes)