BRACE YOURSELVES! A Scorching 'Heat Dome' Is About to Toast the US!

2025-06-20 06:00:33.188

Summer is making a dramatic, and potentially dangerous, entrance to the US this week, with a heat dome bringing stifling temperatures and uncomfortable humidity to millions. The Midwest, specifically Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa, will be hardest hit this weekend, with forecasters warning of extreme temperature impacts. This will be the first taste of true summer weather for many across the Midwest and East Coast. The humid conditions will make temperatures exceeding 90°F (30°C) feel as much as 20 degrees hotter. A heat dome occurs when high pressure in the upper atmosphere traps heat and humidity. Daytime temperatures in the 90s°F (30s°C) and overnight temperatures only dropping to the mid-70s°F (mid-20s°C) are expected from the Great Lakes to the East Coast, lasting into next week. Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico is fueling the muggy weather. The heat will be widespread next week, with Denver potentially reaching 100°F (38°C) on Friday, Chicago 96°F (36°C) on Sunday, Washington, D.C., 99°F (37°C) on Tuesday, and New York City reaching 96°F (36°C) on Tuesday. Several Midwest states could see dangerous temperature impacts over the weekend. Parts of Nebraska and Kansas will be in the highest risk category on Saturday, meaning anyone without effective cooling or hydration could face health risks. On Sunday, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Illinois will also see a high-risk rating. High humidity makes it harder for sweat to evaporate, hindering the body's ability to cool down, and can exacerbate pre-existing health conditions and lead to heat stroke.