You may expect warm weather in July, but experts at Fox Weather say that many parts of the U.S. are under extreme heat warnings as a heat dome settles over the country. The dome is doing more than just making the mercury rise; it’s also hitting some significant milestones across the country, with places like Phoenix, Arizona breaking a record for their overnight lows.
The Associated Press says the dome is bringing oppressive conditions from the Southwest through the Midwest and Great Plains. Additionally, experts say that records could be broken in the Denver area as a result of the high temperatures, which could be as much as 15 degrees above average.
People who work outdoors and vulnerable populations are most at risk from this heat dome, especially in places like Nebraska where weekend temperatures reached 108.
Here’s what you need to know to beat the heat.
This Heat Dome Is Breaking Records Across the Country
If you’ve been caught in any of this summer’s heatwaves, you know just how hot things can get. The Associated Press reports that the East Coast had to sweat it out with an unpleasantly hot start to July. Now, it seems like other areas of the country are back at it again, with temperatures expected to climb in areas like Montana and Wyoming, which could see triple-digit temps.
Tuesday was looking to be especially hot, according to Fox Weather, with Las Vegas estimated to reach 111 degrees and Dallas hitting 104 degrees. In addition to the heat, meteorologists warn that dew points will be high, which will make those figures feel a lot hotter.
We Could See a Short Break Over the Weekend
The Pacific Northwest and the Northeast seem like they will be spared from the brunt of this week’s heat, but Fox Weather says everyone may get to recharge and recover with a quick cooldown over the weekend. That being said, the extreme heat is expected to ramp back up at the start of next week.
Looking at the weeks ahead, Fox Weather warns that we could see elevated temperatures through mid-August.
If you’re in an area that is forecasted to see extreme heat, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says you can take some steps to keep yourself healthy. The CDC recommends staying in the shade when outside, taking breaks whenever possible, and doing any outdoor activities during the coolest part of the day.
Additionally, the CDC says you should be sure to limit beverages that are high in caffeine, alcohol, sodium, and sugar, and instead stay hydrated by drinking water.
Lastly, when temperatures are over 90 degrees, you should keep an eye on vulnerable friends and family members, familiarizing yourself with signs of heat stroke.