Widespread Heatwave Expands Across the U.S.
A prolonged and intense midsummer heatwave is blanketing vast stretches of the United States, affecting millions of people from the Southeast to the Midwest. Beginning over the weekend of July 20, the sweltering conditions first settled over the Southeast and are now spreading into the mid-South, with the Midwest next in line to feel the full brunt of the extreme heat through July 25.Climate Central’s analysis has revealed that climate change caused by human activity has made this heatwave at least three times more likely for nearly 160 million Americans—almost half the country’s population.Triple-Digit Temperatures and Oppressive Humidity
High temperatures are forecast to hit triple digits in parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, and northern Louisiana for multiple consecutive days. By midweek, highs in the mid-to-upper 90s will expand into the lower Midwest, with the Northeast potentially facing similar conditions by late week.Heat index values—how hot it actually feels when humidity is factored in—could climb between 105°F and 110°F in areas such as the Central Plains, the Mississippi Valley, and the Ohio Valley. This combination of extreme heat and humidity poses a serious health risk for vulnerable populations.Warm Nights Set Records in the Southeast
Adding to the discomfort, unusually warm nighttime temperatures are expected across the southern U.S. Overnight lows are projected to remain in the mid-70s to low 80s, significantly above the seasonal average by as much as 5°F to 15°F. These unusually high minimum temperatures may break long-standing records in states like Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Missouri. Such warm nights offer little relief from daytime heat and increase the risk of heat-related illness.Climate Change Raises the Stakes
The primary driver behind this brutal heatwave is a massive area of high pressure—known as a heat dome—that is anchoring itself over the central United States. This atmospheric system is drawing in hot, moist air from the south and pushing it northward, amplifying the heat across a broad region.Climate Central’s Climate Shift Index (CSI) is forecasting Level 5 values—the highest possible rating—across large areas from Salt Lake City and Santa Fe to Tallahassee and Montgomery. A CSI of 5 indicates that climate change has made such heat at least five times more likely.The Science Behind the Heat
Over the course of this heatwave, roughly 160 million Americans will experience at least one day with a CSI of 3 or higher, suggesting a strong climate influence. The CSI tool relies on peer-reviewed science and real-time data to assess how global warming is impacting the probability of extreme temperature events. It has become an essential metric in identifying climate-linked weather anomalies as they happen.Experts Warn of Increasingly Dangerous Summers
“This is not your grandmother’s heat wave,” says Dr. Kristina Dahl, Vice President of Science at Climate Central. “Yes, July is typically hot, but the heatwaves we see today are hotter and more hazardous due to climate change.”As scientists continue to warn of intensifying summers driven by rising global temperatures, this midsummer heatwave serves as another urgent reminder of the climate crisis. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those without access to cooling.For expert commentary, interviews with Climate Central scientists can be arranged by contacting Abbie Veitch at [email protected].
A prolonged and intense midsummer heatwave is blanketing vast stretches of the United States, affecting millions of people from the Southeast to the Midwest. Beginning over the weekend of July 20, the sweltering conditions first settled over the Southeast and are now spreading into the mid-South, with the Midwest next in line to feel the full brunt of the extreme heat through July 25.Climate Central’s analysis has revealed that climate change caused by human activity has made this heatwave at least three times more likely for nearly 160 million Americans—almost half the country’s population.Triple-Digit Temperatures and Oppressive Humidity
High temperatures are forecast to hit triple digits in parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, and northern Louisiana for multiple consecutive days. By midweek, highs in the mid-to-upper 90s will expand into the lower Midwest, with the Northeast potentially facing similar conditions by late week.Heat index values—how hot it actually feels when humidity is factored in—could climb between 105°F and 110°F in areas such as the Central Plains, the Mississippi Valley, and the Ohio Valley. This combination of extreme heat and humidity poses a serious health risk for vulnerable populations.Warm Nights Set Records in the Southeast
Adding to the discomfort, unusually warm nighttime temperatures are expected across the southern U.S. Overnight lows are projected to remain in the mid-70s to low 80s, significantly above the seasonal average by as much as 5°F to 15°F. These unusually high minimum temperatures may break long-standing records in states like Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Missouri. Such warm nights offer little relief from daytime heat and increase the risk of heat-related illness.Climate Change Raises the Stakes
The primary driver behind this brutal heatwave is a massive area of high pressure—known as a heat dome—that is anchoring itself over the central United States. This atmospheric system is drawing in hot, moist air from the south and pushing it northward, amplifying the heat across a broad region.Climate Central’s Climate Shift Index (CSI) is forecasting Level 5 values—the highest possible rating—across large areas from Salt Lake City and Santa Fe to Tallahassee and Montgomery. A CSI of 5 indicates that climate change has made such heat at least five times more likely.The Science Behind the Heat
Over the course of this heatwave, roughly 160 million Americans will experience at least one day with a CSI of 3 or higher, suggesting a strong climate influence. The CSI tool relies on peer-reviewed science and real-time data to assess how global warming is impacting the probability of extreme temperature events. It has become an essential metric in identifying climate-linked weather anomalies as they happen.Experts Warn of Increasingly Dangerous Summers
“This is not your grandmother’s heat wave,” says Dr. Kristina Dahl, Vice President of Science at Climate Central. “Yes, July is typically hot, but the heatwaves we see today are hotter and more hazardous due to climate change.”As scientists continue to warn of intensifying summers driven by rising global temperatures, this midsummer heatwave serves as another urgent reminder of the climate crisis. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those without access to cooling.For expert commentary, interviews with Climate Central scientists can be arranged by contacting Abbie Veitch at [email protected].
