Extreme heat impacting millions across eastern half of US
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More than 74 million people in the United States are currently under heat alerts, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). And there’s more extreme heat in the forecast through this week and into the 4th of July holiday weekend. A strong ridge of high pressure is settling over the Mississippi and Ohio river valleys.
It’s expected to strengthen over the coming days, bringing a risk for high temperatures climbing into the lower 100s F (37 degrees Celsius). Plus, heat index values – or what it will feel like when the humidity is factored in – will be as high as 115 F (46 C) later this week from the Ohio Valley out toward the East Coast. This heat is extremely dangerous and will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses for millions of people.
Here are the forecast maps for June 30, 2026. The apparent temperatures map is a feels like temperature that takes into account both the temperature and the humidity. The second map shows the wet bulb globe temperature.
Wet bulb globe temperature takes even more factors into consideration, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and solar radiation. Wet bulb globe temperatures of 90 F (30 C) and above are considered extreme. During the heat wave, the local National Weather Service offices will issue different heat alerts.
These alerts let people know the severity of the heat they need to prepare for. The three main alerts are: Heat Advisory, Extreme Heat Watch and Extreme Heat Warning. A Heat Advisory is when dangerous heat is forecast for your area in a way that you need to rethink your daily routine.
That’s especially true if it involves being outside for extended periods of time. During a Heat Advisory, avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day and try to reschedule any outdoor activities for early morning or late evening. If you have to be outside during a Heat Advisory, drink lots of water and find cool places for breaks as often as possible.
An Extreme Heat Watch is issued when extreme, dangerous heat is likely, and typically expected in the next few days. When the NWS issues an Extreme Heat Watch, you must start making plans to stay safe. So avoid being outside during the heat wave.
If you do not have air conditioning, cannot afford to run it or know someone who does not have air conditioning, locate the cooling shelters in your community. Because this is a holiday weekend in the United States, make sure the cooling center closest to you will be open. An Extreme Heat Warning is when extreme, dangerous heat is imminent or actively happening.
Again, avoid being outside for the duration of the heatwave, especially during the day. Even though overnight temperatures might cool down some, it can stay very warm, making it harder for the human body to recover. To avoid heat illness, spend as much time in air conditioning as much possible (even at night), drink lots of water and do not over exert yourself.
Make sure you are checking on the people in your community who do not have proper ways to stay cool. Extreme heat is so dangerous because it impacts your body’s ability to cool down. This is especially true with high humidity, which results in a high heat index.
Think About This
What questions does this story raise for you? Talk with your family: Why does this news matter? Who is affected? What might happen next? Is there anything you can do?
- Ask your child: “What do you think scientists discovered about extreme heat? What part surprised you most?”
- Explore together: Search for “extreme heat” on NASA Kids’ Club, DK Find Out, or National Geographic Kids for more kid-friendly facts.
- Critical thinking: Science findings can change as more research is done. Ask: “How would scientists test this? What would prove them wrong?”
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