Chicago, Illinois – A relentless and far-reaching heat wave, driven by an intense heat dome, is expected to sweep across the Midwest and Northeast, bringing record-breaking high temperatures into the upcoming week. This unprecedented heat event marks the onset of summer, with temperatures soaring to levels not seen in years.

The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center has warned that the Midwest to the Northeast could experience one of the longest heat waves in decades, with temperatures climbing well into the 90s. The oppressive heat, coupled with high humidity, will push heat index values into the low 100s, posing health risks for millions of residents unaccustomed to such extreme heat.

As the heat wave blankets the region, cities like Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, New York City, and Boston are bracing for dangerously high temperatures. The stifling conditions, caused by a heat dome trapping warm air and abundant sunshine, result in minimal overnight cooling, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses among vulnerable populations.

Residents in areas like Montpelier, Vermont; Syracuse, New York; and Pittsburgh have not experienced such intense heat in nearly three decades. Meteorologists are forecasting temperatures to soar 15 to 20 degrees above normal in the northeastern US, with some areas reaching up to 25 degrees above average as the week progresses.

Heat indices in Chicago are expected to range from 95 to 105 degrees, while parts of eastern New York and western New England could see values as high as 107 degrees. Local weather service offices are urging residents to take precautions, such as staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities, and checking on vulnerable neighbors during the heat wave.

The combination of extreme heat and humidity is creating triple-digit heat indices in certain areas, exacerbating the already sweltering conditions. Scientists have warned that as the climate crisis intensifies, heat waves will become increasingly severe, posing a growing threat to public health. In severely impacted areas, the elderly, young children, and outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

This report on the looming heat wave is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather events and the urgent need for communities to prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change.