Millions Warned To Stay Out of Sun In 25 States: 'Lethal Temperatures'
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The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued heat-related alerts for at least 25 states, with the agency warning millions of Americans to stay out of the sun and not to leave children or pets unattended in cars because of "lethal temperatures."
Why It Matters
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that extreme heat can trigger heat-related illnesses, particularly among seniors, young children, and people with chronic health conditions.
Symptoms can range from intense sweating and muscle cramps to dizziness and nausea. According to the CDC, extreme heat causes more than 700 deaths annually in the U.S.
Additionally, increasing temperatures can intensify ground-level ozone pollution, potentially creating further health concerns.
What To Know
Extreme heat warnings, which the NWS announces when "extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring," were issued for parts of eastern and southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois, western Tennessee and Kentucky, central and eastern Arkansas, northeastern and southeastern Louisiana, and the majority of Mississippi early on Wednesday.
"Dangerously hot conditions," with heat index values—which measure how hot it feels when humidity and temperature are factored in—of 110F and above were expected across these areas, according to the agency.
"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors," the warnings said. "Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes."
At the same time, heat advisories, issued for "dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria," spanned broad swathes of the South, Midwest, and Northeast on Wednesday morning, including parts of:
Alabama
Connecticut
Florida
Iowa
Indiana
Kansas
Michigan
Minnesota
Massachusetts
Nebraska
New York
Ohio
Oklahoma
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Texas
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Heat index values were forecast to reach the upper 90s and in many cases cross the 100-degree threshold across these areas, according to the service.
What People Are Saying
National Weather Service said on X, Tuesday: "Dangerous, prolonged heat is expected across portions of the Central and Southeast U.S. through the end of July. Widespread Major to locally Extreme HeatRisk is expected, especially over the Mid-Mississippi, Lower Ohio Valleys, and the Mid South.
"During hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged in ways you may not expect. Stay #WeatherReady by learning the symptoms of Extreme Heat exposure and the appropriate responses."
The National Weather Service forecast office, Memphis, Tennessee said on X, Tuesday: "An areawide Extreme Heat Warning is in effect tomorrow as heat index values exceed 110F. Yes, it gets hot every summer. However, that does not mean that these temperatures don't result in fatalities. Please, take breaks and hydrate if you must be outside this week."
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the latest extreme heat warning was in effect until 9 p.m. CDT on Thursday.
The NWS publishes forecast updates on its website regularly.
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