Heat wave hits US: See where it will be the hottest
Millions of Americans are under extreme heat warnings on Friday, June 20, as sweltering temperatures are expected to reach the triple digits in some areas.
The National Weather Service (NWS) stated that heat could reach "dangerous levels" over much of the central and eastern United States, beginning on June 20 and continuing into the weekend.
Temperatures are likely to be hottest between the weekend and early next week, but there will still be a risk for extreme heat in the Mid-Atlantic at the end of next week, the agency said.
According to AccuWeather, up to 170 million people across the country are expected to experience temperatures at or above 90 degrees during the heat wave.
Here is a look at which areas will be hit the hardest.
According to NWS data, the central U.S. is expected to endure the hottest temperatures on Friday, June 20, and Saturday, June 21.
On Friday, major heat-related impacts are expected in most of Nebraska, Kansas and parts of Colorado, South Dakota and Iowa. Pockets of surrounding states, such as Minnesota, Oklahoma and Louisiana, will also get the worst of the extreme heat.
By Saturday, major heat will expand across the Midwest, and extreme heat impacts will begin in parts of Nebraska, where temperatures could reach triple digits. Extreme levels are defined as rare or long-duration heat with little to no overnight relief, according to the NWS.
Extreme heat will continue moving east across the Midwest through the weekend, reaching Illinois, Indiana and Michigan by Sunday, June 22, according to the NWS.
Much of the remaining eastern half of the U.S. will also be under moderate to major heat-related risks, with temperatures likely reaching the high 90s.
By mid-next week, extreme heat will mostly linger across Ohio, Pennsylvania and the East Coast, per the NWS. States as far west as Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas will still have a moderate heat risk by Thursday, June 26.
NWS has specific temperature forecasts for all the U.S. states available on its website.
For those affected by the ongoing heat waves,
Use sunscreen and reapply it regularly
Wear loose-fitting, light colored and lightweight clothes, NWS recommends
Don't leave kids or pets in the car, even for a short time
Check the weather for information about UV index, heat warnings and the feels-like temperature
Bring multiple bottles of water per person if spending extended time out in the sun
Seek shade and air conditioning
Keep in mind that some people are more vulnerable to heat than others, like children, those over 65 or pregnant, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Contributing: Joel Shannon, USA TODAY
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Which parts of US are in a heat wave? See hardest hit areas
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
'A family reunion': Indy celebrates Black culture at Juneteenth event despite heat advisory
Indy Juneteenth celebrated Black culture at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on June 21 for its eighth year. While the heat dampened foreheads, it didn't dampen spirits. Guests walked down aisles of vendors, watched community dance performances, grooved to live music and played in the kid's section — which was complete with multiple bounce houses and a rock climbing wall. Organizer Twjonia Webb said the new, spacious venue allowed the event to accomplish more and reach more of Indianapolis. Nearly all guests interviewed referred to Indy Juneteenth as a family reunion. Attendees recognized the event's historical significance without allowing an oppressive history to sour the event's mood. One vendor said Indy Juneteenth is one of the few days she can exist easily and unapologetically as a Black person. Natalie Pipkin owns a mobile bookstore highlighting Black authors. Her modified school bus celebrated its three-year birthday at Indy Juneteenth. "We celebrate Black culture all year," she said. "This is just another day for us to gather." The outdoor celebration coincides with a heat advisory. Indianapolis hit 90 degrees for the first time this year just before 2 p.m., according to the National Weather Service Indianapolis. The city is expected to experience heat indices of up to 103 degrees until June 24. One guest said increased temperatures may have discouraged some people from attending. Organizer James Webb said between 3,000 to 5,000 guests were expected throughout the day. Last year, almost 10,000 visited throughout the day. EMTs proactively checked for anyone with heat-related ailments, ready to usher them to a decked-out first aid tent with iced drinks, electrolyte powder and a reclining chair for those feeling faint. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis Juneteenth: Eight years of Black Hoosier pride
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Due to upcoming heat wave, popular Green Bay pizza place to close for one day
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – With a heat wave set to hit Wisconsin this weekend, a popular pizza place in Green Bay announced that it will not be opening on Sunday to keep its staff safe. Officials with Jake's Pizza announced on Facebook that on Sunday, June 22, the restaurant will not be opening due to the forecasted 'very hot weather.' Jake's Pizza stated that the single-day closure is to keep its staff safe from possible heat exhaustion. Creator of beloved Jake's Pizza in Green Bay passes away after battle with cancer 'As you all know how hot it can get in here, especially in our kitchen. Sorry for any inconvenience. Stay cool and stay hydrated!' the Facebook post stated. Jake's Pizza is located at 112 South Broadway in Green Bay. Local 5 will update this story if any details change. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Preparing for extreme heat this weekend in NE Wisconsin
LITTLE CHUTE, Wis. (WFRV) – Northeast Wisconsinites are preparing for a scorcher of a weekend. With temperatures expected to soar into the mid-90s, many Northeast Wisconsinites will spend the weekend looking for ways to stay cool. For many people, that means heading to a local pool like the one at Doyle Park in Little Chute. 'So I anticipate our attendance will be pretty high; we have extra staff ready to go on call,' said Little Chute Parks, Recreation, and Forestry director John McDonald. Lifeguards remind anybody heading out to the pool this weekend to make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and to reapply it every couple of hours to avoid sunburn. They also stressed the importance of staying hydrated and making sure to avoid swimming on an empty stomach. 'You should do swim breaks,' McDonald said. You'd be very surprised how much energy you burn going down the slide, diving, swimming and playing with your friends. Before you know it, you're tired and lightheaded.' New Goodwill Donation Center opens in Bellevue will stay closed on Sunday, citing the extreme heat as the reason. 'Due to the VERY hot weather on Sunday, June 22nd, Jake's will not be opening. This is to keep our staff from possible heat exhaustion, as you all know how hot it can get in here, especially our kitchen. Sorry for any inconvenience. Stay cool and stay hydrated!' Jake's Pizza Green Bay Facebook post Doctors caution about the risk of strenuous exercise when temperatures soar like this. They say to make sure you're hydrated extremely well, know your limits when you're exercising, and don't be afraid to take breaks. ThedaCare emergency medicine doctor William Kumprey said if you're feeling dizzy, have severe cramping or headaches, have hot skin but aren't sweating, or feel lightheaded, these could be signs of serious heat-related illnesses like heat stroke. He told Local 5 News that people in high-risk categories like elderly folks, young children, and people with pre-existing conditions like emphysema or asthma should avoid spending extended periods outside in the heat this weekend. He also urges people to check on their friends, family, and neighbors who fall into these categories. Door County Sheriff's Office helps during relocation of an entire house Our four-legged canine friends are also at high risk when it gets hot outside. They overheat faster than humans. Pet experts say that pet owners should avoid walking their animals on concrete or pavement because these surfaces can get very hot, very quickly. 'You'll see them pant a lot more, they might become a little bit more lethargic,' said Corey Viars with the Wisconsin Humane Society of Green Bay and Door County. 'There might be different colors in their mouth, gums or tongue. If you see these signs of heat stroke, call a vet immediately.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.