Much of the United States is experiencing a late summer heat wave, with forecasters predicting the oppressive conditions will persist. Heat advisories are in effect for approximately 97 million people from the central Plains to the Southeast, and dangerous temperatures are expected to continue through Wednesday in more than a dozen states across the Southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley.
Temperatures could reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 Celsius) in some areas. However, the combination of high temperatures and humidity is expected to make it feel as hot as 115 F (46 C) in parts of the Southeast. This phenomenon, known as a heat dome, occurs when high-pressure systems trap heat and humidity close to the ground. Nighttime temperatures are also offering little relief, with overnight lows predicted to remain in the 70s in many locations. Meteorologists anticipate that the prolonged, intense, and humid conditions, coupled with high overnight lows, could increase heat-related mortality.
This heat wave arrives after July was confirmed as the hottest month on record for the contiguous United States. Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels. Outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable. In Little Rock, Arkansas, a landscaping worker noted that the current heat feels more intense than the previous year, recalling instances of nausea and colleagues taking time off due to heat illness.
To cope, outdoor workers often increase water intake, sometimes supplemented with electrolytes, and wear breathable clothing. Companies are also encouraging employees to take breaks when needed. Communities are responding by providing cooling centers in public libraries, community centers, and senior centers. Resource centers are also distributing food and bottled water, with some reporting a significant increase in demand compared to normal.
The extreme heat is coinciding with the start of the new school year in many parts of the country. School districts are addressing concerns about student comfort on buses and in classrooms, with some urging parents to send bottled water and others implementing policies to keep students indoors during recess if the heat index reaches 95 F (35 C).
Young athletes are also facing increased risks. In South Carolina, extreme heat warnings led to the cancellation of several high school football scrimmages. Between 1992 and 2024, at least 58 student athletes died from exertional heat stroke nationwide, with thousands more suffering heat-related illnesses annually, according to the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut. The institute was founded after the death of Minnesota Vikings player Korey Stringer from heat stroke in 2001, which spurred changes in safety protocols.
The heat wave is also affecting Europe, with the United Kingdom recording its hottest day of the year on Thursday amid a dry spell that has contributed to multiple fires. An intense period of hot weather continues to grip the continent.