The year’s first significant heat wave is expected to impact a large portion of the central and southern United States on Father’s Day Sunday, just four days away from the official start of summer. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for the South and Midwest regions, advising people planning outdoor Father’s Day celebrations to stay cool due to potentially record-breaking high temperatures reaching into the 90s in some areas.
An expansive and exceptionally strong heat dome is forecasted to build over the East on Sunday, extending into the Midwest and Great Lakes in the following days. This heat dome will trap air in place, leading to days of intense heat with temperatures rising each day.
The Plains and Midwest regions are expected to experience scorching temperatures in the mid- to upper 90s, while the Great Lakes area will see temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s. Iowa and Missouri are anticipated to face the worst of the heat, with large portions of both states under a Level 3 heat risk.
States including Kansas, Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi will also feel the impact of the heat wave. Some areas, such as Atlanta, may experience extreme heat with temperatures reaching 102 degrees.
The National Weather Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have warned of heat-related health risks as conditions become extreme. Heat-related illnesses are a significant concern, with heat being the deadliest form of weather in the US, causing more fatalities annually than hurricanes and tornadoes combined.
The Midwest and Northeast will not be spared from the heat wave, with Chicago expecting temperatures near 99 degrees and heat indices of 105 degrees on Monday. The Upper Ohio Valley and Great Lakes regions are also forecasted to experience record-breaking temperatures.
The heat wave is expected to persist through the week, affecting states like Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Iowa. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and seek reliable cooling methods to mitigate the heat-related impacts.
In Detroit, where temperatures are expected to reach the high 90s, overnight lows will provide little relief, remaining in the 70s. The eastern and northeastern US will also experience the sweltering conditions as the heat wave continues to shift across the country.
