Dangerous Heat Spreads Across the U.S.: Index to Exceed 100 Degrees

Millions of people in the western states of the U.S. continue to be under warnings for dangerous heat, which is expected to spread toward the Midwest and East in the coming days. Dangerous heat persists in the western part of the country, with some easing expected later in the weekend.

Excessive heat warnings remain in place until 8 PM local time on Saturday in parts of Southern California and Arizona, including cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Palm Springs. Residents in these areas are urged to avoid prolonged exposure outdoors and conserve electricity where possible.

Additionally, a heat advisory has been issued for parts of the Southern California coastal region, particularly around Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

The dangerous heat is anticipated to encompass a significant portion of the Midwest in the coming days, moving further east at the start of next week. By noon Sunday, the heat index, factoring in temperature and humidity, in Wichita, Kansas, Kansas City, Missouri, and Des Moines, Iowa, will approach a scorching 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

By Tuesday, the felt temperature in Chicago will near the upper 90s Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, the heat index will exceed 100 degrees in Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina, Richmond, Virginia, as well as in Washington, D.C.

Next week, warmer and more humid days are expected in the northeastern U.S., with the majority of the region forecasted to remain free from this dangerous heat wave.

It is known that a dangerous heat wave that swept through Europe this year claimed the lives of 40,000 people. As of August, Ukraine has also recorded over 20 new temperature records associated with high Celsius scale readings.