Extreme Heat Wave Grips Central and Southern U.S.
• A sweltering heat wave continues to impact central and southern regions of the United States, with at least 40 million people under extreme heat warnings as of Sunday, July 26,
• Temperatures in parts of the Southwest are expected to reach as high as 120°F (49°C), according to the National Weather Service. The phenomenon is attributed to a heat dome, which traps heat and prolongs high temperatures. Heat indexes exceeding 105°F (40.5°C) stretch from Minnesota to Mississippi and westward into Southern California and Nevada. The continental U.S. has already experienced its second-hottest first half of the year on record, highlighting the severity of this ongoing weather pattern.
Impact & Risks
The extreme heat poses significant risks to vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Authorities warn of potential heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Additionally, the moist air around the heat dome is creating volatile conditions, with risks of severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, and hail near the Great Lakes. Events such as horse races in Minnesota have been canceled due to the dangerous heat levels.
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