Chicago, Illinois is bracing for a dangerous heatwave set to sweep across the Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions, bringing with it scorching temperatures and stifling humidity. The National Weather Service is warning of an impending “prolonged period of dangerously hot conditions” with intense heat and high humidity that poses a significant risk of heat-related illnesses.
The heat is already starting to build in cities like Chicago and Atlanta, where temperatures are expected to soar into the mid-90s. As the week progresses, cities like Boston, Pittsburgh, and Washington could see highs near 100 degrees, with heat index values surpassing 100 degrees for several consecutive days.
The extreme heat is forecasted to reach as far north as southern Canada, setting potential new records throughout New England and southeastern Canada. Residents in Fort Kent, Maine, could experience temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, while Caribou, Maine, may break past its all-time record of 96 degrees.
The Weather Service is considering issuing excessive heat watches for areas across the Midwest and South, where heat index values are expected to reach dangerous levels of 105 degrees or higher. This extended period of high heat could potentially lead to heat stress for those without proper cooling and hydration.
Over the weekend, temperatures are set to peak near 100 degrees from Illinois to Maine, with parts of New England potentially experiencing even higher heat index values than the Mid-Atlantic region. This exceptional heat event is attributed to a massive heat dome expanding across the northern United States, causing the atmosphere to bulge vertically to record levels.
As we head into the week, cities along the Mid-Atlantic, including Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, are bracing for intense heat with temperatures expected to reach near or above 100 degrees, challenging previous records dating back decades. Meteorologists are attributing this extreme heat to the effects of human-induced climate change, predicting an increase in frequency and intensity of heat events as the Earth’s climate continues to warm.