A dangerous heatwave is set to impact a large portion of the United States this week, bringing extreme temperatures as the nation approaches the Fourth of July holiday. The heatwave, driven by a heat dome, is expected to affect areas from the East Coast to the central United States.
The National Weather Service predicts peak temperatures in the Midwest and Mississippi Valley through Thursday. The system will then shift eastward, impacting the Ohio Valley and the East Coast on Thursday and continuing through the holiday weekend.
Temperatures in the affected regions are forecast to range from 95°F to 105°F (35°C to 40.6°C). Combined with high humidity, the heat index is expected to reach between 100°F and 115°F (38°C to 46°C).
Daily temperature records are anticipated to be broken on Thursday and Friday, with the possibility of some monthly and all-time records being set. Officials are urging residents in the impacted zones to minimize outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and seek out air-conditioned spaces or designated cooling centers.
In response to the intense heat, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has activated a heat emergency plan, which includes opening hundreds of cooling centers across the city starting Wednesday. Detroit is also providing relief by opening a dozen recreation centers equipped with air conditioning for residents.
The extreme weather could also affect outdoor events, including some World Cup matches. Player unions have previously indicated that heat index levels exceeding certain thresholds are considered unsafe for play. In some U.S. cities hosting World Cup events, such as Houston, Arlington, and Atlanta, fans traveling to and from air-conditioned stadiums may experience high heat and humidity. Philadelphia is moving parts of its FIFA World Cup Fan Festival into cooled tents for Thursday and Friday to mitigate the heat's impact.