Excessive heatwave to scorch extensive regions of the East, potentially setting new temperature records this week.
A gigantic heat wave, orchestrated by a heat dome, is ready to settle over parts of the East, potentially stretching into the opening of next week. Areas might experience their longest heatwave in decades, as per the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center.
Approximately 50 million people, not accustomed to such extreme heat, will be dealing with temperatures soaring into the 90s this week.
The heatwave made its entry in the South and Midwest during Father's Day celebrations outdoors on Sunday, with a word of caution from the weather service about staying cool under 90-degree high temperatures in certain regions.
Throughout the week ahead, the highest heat risk is expected from the Great Lakes region up to the Northeast, according to the National Weather Service. This encompasses major metropolitan areas such as Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New York City, and Boston.
By Monday afternoon, temperatures will spike 15 to 20 degrees above normal over a considerable area of the northeastern US and are predicted to soar to 25 degrees above normal for the rest of the workweek.
Areas including Pittsburgh, for example, have not experienced such heat for about three decades.
As per the local weather service office, "The last time Pittsburgh experienced heat like what we're predicting next week was 30 years ago almost to the day, when it hit 95°F or warmer for 6 straight days (June 15-20, 1994). This stands as the longest streak of 95+ (degree) days on record. We have a shot at tying or beating that."
Heat domes trap air and intensify the heat through prolonged sunshine, making consecutive days even hotter. The sweltering conditions mean that overnight temperatures may not dip low enough to provide relief, increasing the risk of heat-related ailments.
"Warm overnight temperatures only dropping into the mid-70s will offer little to no relief, especially to those without adequate or reliable cooling," the Weather Prediction Center said.
Humidity will also join efforts with searing temperatures to generate triple-digit heat indices, or measurements demonstrating how hot the human body feels, in certain regions.
Chicago residents could experience heat indices between 95 and 105 degrees until next week, the NWS in Chicago warned. Parts of eastern New York and western New England could see indices as high as 107 degrees.
Heat-related ailments are a prominent concern in severely impacted regions, particularly for the elderly, young children, and outdoor laborers. Extreme heat is, on average, more lethal than tornadoes and hurricanes combined.
Scientists have cautioned that heatwaves will become progressively severe as the climate crisis worsens.
In Detroit, where the heat index could reach 100 degrees, the NWS advised residents to prioritize heat safety in the upcoming days, including limiting intense outdoor activities, staying hydrated, and checking on neighbors who are geriatric or lack air conditioning.
CNN's Robert Shackelford contributed to this report.
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Despite the advisory, people in 50 million eastern regions might struggle with temperatures surpassing 90 degrees this week, as indicated by the heatwave's expansion from the South and Midwest. The Great Lakes region and major metropolitan areas like New York City, Chicago, and Boston will experience heightened heat risk, potentially leading to record-breaking temperatures.
