According to experts, the U.S. is bracing for a week-long heatwave that’s expected to bring temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius to some parts of the country.
The Midwest and Northeast are preparing for the extreme weather as a “heat dome” develops over a large area.
The NWS noted that over 73 million people are currently under a heat alert.
About 150 million individuals are expected to experience temperatures of over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
About 9 million people are expected to experience readings of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The start of summer officially begins on Thursday across the country.
The Indianapolis division of the NWS warned that the high temperatures could cause dangerous conditions.
In New York City, the temperature is expected to reach over 90 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday, around 94 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday, and around 96 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday.
In response to the expected high temperatures, the city of New York will open 500 cooling centers. A heat advisory will also be issued by the NWS.
During a press briefing, Mayor Eric Adams said that the city is expected to experience high temperatures of up to 99 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday and Friday.
As the city prepares for the upcoming heatwave, residents are urged to be aware of the high temperatures.
Seventeen states have already been placed under a heat alert. An Excessive Heat Watch has also been issued for the states of New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
On Wednesday, the city of Concord is expected to reach a temperature of over 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to the NWS, temperatures in certain areas in New England are expected to reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit by Wednesday afternoon.
Officials of the Ohio Valley also warned that the region could experience the most extreme heatwave of the 21st century.
Louisville, Kentucky, is expected to reach a temperature of around 94 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday, 97 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday, and 99 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday.
In Pennsylvania, the city of Pittsburgh is expected to experience a string of extreme heat over the next couple of days.
Temperatures are expected to reach up to 98 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The city’s high temperatures during the heatwave could set a record for the month of June.
In response to the predicted high temperatures, the residents of Arizona are urged to take necessary precautions.
The cities of Tucson and Phoenix are currently under a Heat Warning. The temperature in these areas is expected to reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday.
El Paso, Texas, and Roswell, New Mexico are also expected to experience high temperature of around 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Authorities are urging people to avoid excessive exposure to heat and to stay hydrated.
In 2023, over 2,200 people in the US died due to cardiovascular diseases, a 34% increase from the previous year.
The National Weather Service also noted that the heatwave that’s currently affecting the country could set new record high temperatures in 200 cities.
