More than a third of Americans are currently under a heat alert as a massive heat dome blankets a large portion of the central United States. This heat dome is causing temperatures to soar to dangerous levels, with officials warning of “life-threatening” conditions. The Midwest and South are particularly affected, with numerous records being broken and temperatures reaching unbearable levels.
Excessive-heat warnings have been issued from Texas and Louisiana to Wisconsin and Minnesota, including the entire states of Iowa and Missouri. Major cities such as Des Moines, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Dallas, and Little Rock are all under these warnings. The combination of heat and humidity is resulting in feels-like temperatures of 110 to 120 degrees across much of the Midwest and South, with some areas even surpassing these extreme marks.
On Sunday, heat indexes in Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri exceeded 120 degrees in multiple locations. Lawrence, Kansas recorded a heat index of 134 degrees, which is considered untenable even for short durations. The National Weather Service in Kansas City compared the current heat wave to a deadly heat wave that occurred in mid-July 1995, which claimed the lives of hundreds of people in Chicago alone. They emphasized the importance of taking precautions and canceling or rescheduling outdoor activities.
The intensity of this heat wave can be attributed to a high-pressure heat dome that is unprecedented in strength. A weather balloon released from Topeka, Kansas recorded one of the highest known measurements for high-pressure intensity in the United States. NASA atmospheric scientist Ryan Stauffer stated that measurements have never captured a hotter troposphere over the Central U.S.
The extreme heat is expected to continue throughout the week, with record highs being threatened in various states. Denver is forecasted to reach 99 degrees, breaking the previous record of 97 degrees for the date. Other cities such as Wichita, Dallas, Shreveport, and Jackson are also expected to break records with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. The Midwest and South will continue to experience relentless heat, with cities like Austin enduring a streak of 44 consecutive days at or above 100 degrees.
Record heat potential will expand into Minneapolis, Chicago, and St. Louis on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching the upper 90s and low 100s. The heat wave will persist on Wednesday, particularly in Iowa and the South. New Orleans and Tallahassee will see temperatures rise near and past 100 degrees. Thursday is expected to have the largest footprint of record highs, extending from the lower Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast and Texas. Many cities will also experience record-warm lows, with temperatures failing to drop below 80 degrees at night.
Although a cold front will push the record heat farther south and east by Friday and Saturday, the Gulf Coast, particularly New Orleans, will still experience near 100-degree temperatures. The city has already broken its annual record for days at or above 100 degrees. The heat dome is expected to shift towards the southwest United States in the last days of August, potentially expanding eastward again in September.
While the Northeast may experience a notable cool-down to end the month, most other parts of the country will remain above or well above average temperatures. Texas, which has been enduring months of extreme heat, is unlikely to see a significant break, with temperatures expected to remain 5 to 10 degrees above normal through the first week of September.
What are the potential consequences of strain on power grids during high-pressure heat waves?
Igher pressure than what was observed in Topeka. This high-pressure ridge is essentially trapping hot air and preventing it from escaping, leading to the consecutive days of extreme heat.
In response to the dangerous conditions, cities have opened cooling centers and urged residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the heat. Energy companies are also preparing for increased electricity demand as people turn to air conditioning to seek relief. However, concerns arise about the strain on power grids and the possibility of blackouts.
The impact of the heat wave extends beyond discomfort and inconvenience. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, can be life-threatening, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The hot temperatures can also lead to poor air quality, exacerbating respiratory issues and increasing the risk of heat-related mortality.
This prolonged and intense heat wave emphasizes the urgent need to address climate change and its impact on extreme weather events. The frequency and intensity of heat waves are projected to increase as global temperatures rise. Therefore, taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance infrastructure resilience, and prioritize public health and safety are crucial in mitigating the effects of extreme heat.
As the heat dome continues to grip the central United States, it is essential for individuals to stay informed, follow safety guidelines, and look out for one another. By taking proactive measures and raising awareness about the risks of extreme heat, we can better protect ourselves and our communities during these challenging times.
Stay safe everyone and take extra precautions to stay cool and hydrated! #HeatWave2021 🌡️💦
Henry: This is just another reminder of the urgent need to address climate change. We cannot ignore the devastating effects it’s having on our planet.