Extreme Heat Hits the US
Based on the data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service (NWS), millions of people living in the US are facing the side effects of extreme heat. In certain states, the temperature can even feel like it reaches up to 120°F.
High temperatures can cause illnesses such as nausea, headaches, cramps, fainting, and heat stroke. Heat strokes occur when your body overheats, and this can lead to life-threatening organ damage and seizures. The NWS can monitor the number of potential health risks related to heat through a tool they have developed called HeatRisk. It informs people about the risk of getting heat illness when outside using a color-coded system. Little risk is represented by green, minor by yellow, moderate by orange, major by red, and extreme by magenta. Warnings on HeatRisk proved to be especially worrisome near the end of July. On the 28th of July, 16 million people were at risk from extreme heat. The next day, the numbers dropped to around 14 million people, with others at moderate or major risk, which was extremely dangerous for people with heat sensitivity or serious health issues.
When extreme heat remains in one place for weeks or days, it is known as a heat dome. They occur when high-pressure air is stuck in one place. The heat from the pressure gets trapped in one area, forming a heat dome. The large sections of hot air induce searing weather conditions, drought conditions, and wildfires. Because of this heat dome, on July 27th, Tampa, Florida, reached over 100°F for the first time since observing heat conditions began in the 1890s, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The heat even resulted in flights getting delayed or canceled. This is because, during heat waves, hot air is packed more tightly together, making it harder to fly through.
The NWS urged people to keep safe. “Stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable individuals,” they said, informing people through social media on July 26th. With heat extremes likely to ravage longer, awareness and preparedness are more important than ever.
Citations:
“Heating Up.” Time for Kids, 29 July 2025, www.timeforkids.com/g56/heating-up.
NWS HeatRisk. www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk.
“What Is a Heat Dome?” ClimateCheck, climatecheck.com/risks/heat/what-is-a-heat-dome.
