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The prolonged heat is expected to affect communities from the Desert Southwest and Gulf Coast to the Midwest and Great Plains, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses while placing added strain on public health services, outdoor workers and vulnerable populations. Meteorologists also warned that unusually warm overnight temperatures will provide little relief, allowing heat stress to build over several consecutive days.

Heat Dome Expected to Persist Through the Week

Meteorologists said the weather pattern responsible for the extreme heat is expected to remain largely stationary through much of the coming week.

Bob Oravec, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said the heat dome traps hot air beneath stable atmospheric conditions, producing prolonged high temperatures and elevated humidity that can make it feel significantly hotter than the actual air temperature.

Forecasts indicate temperatures will run between 10 and 15 degrees Fahrenheit (5.6 to 8.3 degrees Celsius) above seasonal averages across parts of the affected region.

Some communities near Denver could challenge daily temperature records, while western Nebraska remains under an extreme heat warning with highs expected to reach 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius) during the weekend.

Forecasters also expect unusually high temperatures to spread into areas that typically experience milder summers, including parts of Montana and Wyoming, where temperatures could exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius).

Outdoor Workers Face Elevated Health Risks

The extended period of extreme heat is creating hazardous conditions for people whose jobs require prolonged outdoor activity.

In Las Vegas, where temperatures climbed to around 114 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius) on Saturday, HVAC technician Kristian “Flaco” Santos said repairing air conditioning systems often requires working on rooftops and inside attics, where temperatures can be substantially higher than outdoors.

Santos said he reduces the risk of heat-related illness by wearing protective clothing, drinking water with electrolytes and taking regular cooling breaks. He encouraged others working outdoors to adopt similar precautions during periods of extreme heat.

The weather has also affected tourism and local businesses.

At the Museum of the Fur Trade near Chadron, Nebraska, employee Hannah Lovelace said visitor numbers had declined during the heat wave, while lightweight historical clothing proved more popular than traditional fur garments among visitors attending frontier reenactments.

Communities Expand Public Health Measures

Health officials warned that children, older adults and people with underlying medical conditions remain most vulnerable to prolonged exposure to extreme heat.

Authorities urged residents to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned spaces or public cooling centers, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day.

Several communities expanded heat-response measures.

Organizers of Sunday’s Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway planned additional water refill stations and cooling areas while allowing spectators to bring packed coolers into the venue.

In Denver, recreation centers prepared air-conditioned facilities for residents seeking relief from the heat.

Forecasters expect the most intense heat to shift toward Texas and parts of the Gulf Coast by the middle of next week. Some areas of the central United States may experience modest relief next weekend, although Oravec cautioned that any cooling trend could be temporary.

The Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and much of the Pacific Northwest are expected to avoid the most severe conditions.

Extreme Heat Reflects Broader Climate Trends

The latest heat wave follows several periods of unusually hot weather across the United States this summer.

Earlier episodes of extreme heat affected the eastern United States in early July and later spread across the Southwest and Great Plains.

Similar conditions have also affected other parts of the world. Europe experienced a severe heat wave in June, with French health authorities estimating that extreme temperatures contributed to thousands of excess deaths.

Andy Pershing, chief program officer at Climate Central, said rising global temperatures associated with greenhouse gas emissions have increased the likelihood that heat waves become more frequent and more intense. He noted, however, that attributing any single weather event directly to climate change requires additional scientific analysis.

According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the continental United States recorded its second-hottest first half of the year on record in 2026, while June ranked as the nation’s 18th warmest June.

Officials continue to advise residents across affected states to monitor local weather forecasts, follow public health guidance and prepare for several more days of dangerous heat.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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Summer isn’t easing in quietly this year — it’s showing up with a bang.

A massive heat dome is expected to blanket much of the U.S. this week, bringing oppressive heat and humidity to millions from the Midwest to the East Coast. For many, this will be the first taste of true summer weather — and it won’t be a gentle one.

The Midwest Is in the Hot Seat

This weekend, states like Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Kansas are bracing for the worst of it. The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning of extreme temperature impacts, especially in parts of the Midwest where “category 4” risk levels — the highest on their heat scale — are expected.

That means anyone without access to cooling or proper hydration could face serious health risks, including heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

“We’ve heard a lot of people asking, ‘Where’s summer?’” said Tom Kines, meteorologist at AccuWeather. “Well, buckle up, because it’s coming.”

What’s a Heat Dome, Anyway?

A heat dome forms when a high-pressure system settles over an area and traps hot, moist air beneath it — essentially creating a giant lid on the atmosphere. That trapped heat keeps baking the region for days, sometimes even weeks.

“It acts like a pressure cooker,” explained Ricky Castro of the National Weather Service in Illinois.

And it’s not just the temperatures. The humidity will make it feel even worse. While thermometers may read 90°F (32°C) or higher, the heat index — or “feels like” temperature — could be 10 to 20 degrees hotter in some places.

How Hot Will It Get?

Here’s a preview of what to expect across some major cities:

• Denver could hit 100°F (38°C) by Friday
• Chicago is expected to reach 96°F (36°C) on Sunday
• Washington, D.C. may spike to 99°F (37°C) by Tuesday
• New York City’s Central Park could hit 96°F (36°C)

Nighttime won’t bring much relief either — temperatures will hover in the mid-70s°F (mid-20s°C), giving bodies and buildings little chance to cool down.

Humidity Makes the Heat Even More Dangerous

The real trouble with this kind of heat? The humidity.

When it’s humid, sweat evaporates more slowly, which means your body can’t cool itself as effectively. This raises the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke — especially for vulnerable groups like older adults, young children, and those with chronic health issues.

To stay safe, the NWS recommends:

• Staying hydrated
• Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing
• Avoiding direct sunlight
• Spending time in air-conditioned spaces

Dry Heat vs. Humid Heat

Not all heat is created equal. Cities like Phoenix, Arizona, experience what’s called dry heat — extremely hot but low in humidity. While sweat evaporates more quickly in these conditions (which helps cool you down), it can also be deceptive. You may not realize how much fluid you’re losing.

“You can get dehydrated fast without noticing,” warn experts at Johns Hopkins University.

Even the Cornfields Are Sweating

Believe it or not, crops contribute to humidity too — especially in places like Iowa.

Farmers call it “corn sweat.” When temperatures rise, corn plants release moisture into the air to cool themselves down. It’s not the main driver of Midwest humidity (most of that comes from the Gulf of Mexico), but it does add to the steamy conditions.

“It’s not as bad as a sauna,” said Ryan Marquardt, a farmer in Madison County, Iowa, “but it definitely has a sauna effect. It’s humid in there, so you’re gonna sweat.”

Final Takeaway

This incoming heat dome is no ordinary summer heatwave. It’s shaping up to be intense, long-lasting, and potentially dangerous. Keep an eye on local forecasts, look out for vulnerable neighbors, and take steps to protect yourself — especially over the weekend if you’re in the Midwest.

Summer has arrived, and it’s not playing around.

Source: AP News – Heat dome will blanket much of the US, with worrisome temperatures in Midwest

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