Scorching Heatwave and Third 'Heat Dome' Set to Impact 70 Million Across US
A scorching heatwave, marked by a third "heat dome" this month, is expanding across the central United States, creating dangerous conditions for millions of people.
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A significant heatwave, characterized by a third "heat dome" this month, is currently impacting a large portion of the central United States, creating hazardous conditions for an estimated 70 million people. The high-pressure system is trapping heat across a vast area, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico coast through the Great Plains and into the Midwest, with dangerous temperatures expected to persist into the coming week.
Temperatures are forecast to range between 95 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit (35-40 degrees Celsius) in many affected regions, with some southwestern desert areas potentially reaching up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius). Compounding the danger, overnight lows are not anticipated to drop sufficiently for people to recover, leading to a build-up of heat stress, while high humidity will make conditions feel even more oppressive.
This latest event follows two other major heat domes earlier in July, making it a notably sweltering summer for many parts of the country. The National Weather Service has issued extreme heat warnings, with forecasters indicating that some local temperature records, particularly around the Denver area and western Nebraska, could be broken. Authorities are emphasizing the serious health risks associated with extreme heat, especially for vulnerable populations, and advising precautions.
What each outlet emphasizes
- The Guardian: reports on the scorching heatwave, the third 'heat dome' in a month, and the 70 million people affected
- AP: emphasizes the heat dome expanding across the central US and creating dangerous conditions for millions