Millions of Americans Told To Stay Indoors In 24 States
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Millions of Americans have been advised to remain indoors as heat warnings were issued in 24 states on Wednesday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued extreme heat warnings and heat advisories for large swathes of the South, Midwest and Northeast until Wednesday evening.
The agency warned that "dangerously hot" conditions are expected, and urged people to stay out of the sun and remain in air-conditioned rooms.
A man cools off amid soaring temperatures in Washington Square in New York on Tuesday.
A man cools off amid soaring temperatures in Washington Square in New York on Tuesday.
Liao Pan/China News Service/VCG/AP
Why It Matters
The NWS warned that heat-related illnesses "increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events," putting millions of Americans in impacted regions at risk. It urged people to drink plenty of fluids and to check up on relatives and neighbors.
The agency also warned Americans not to leave young children and pets in vehicles unattended. "Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes," it said.
What To Know
The NWS issued extreme heat warnings on Wednesday for parts of North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. The warnings are set to continue until 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
The NWS states on its website: "An extreme heat warning is issued when extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring. Avoid outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay indoors in an air-conditioned space as much as possible, including overnight. Check on family and neighbors."
In North Carolina, temperatures are forecast to reach a heat index value of up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, Virginia is expected to reach 110F; Pennsylvania will hit 105F; and New Jersey will reach 108F.
The NWS also issued heat advisories for Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
The agency said that heat index values could reach 110F in Louisiana and South Carolina; 109F in Georgia and Arkansas; 108F in Maryland and Alabama; 104F in Kentucky; and 103F in New York.
"Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke," the NWS said.
"To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency!"
It added: "In addition to the daytime heat, overnight low temperatures will also be very warm and oppressively muggy."
What People Are Saying
The NWS forecast office in Mount Holly, New Jersey, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday: "One more day of 100-110° heat index values as it will be oppressively hot and humid. Unlike Monday and Tuesday, there is a chance (20-40%) for showers and thunderstorms later this afternoon. A few strong to severe storms are possible with the main hazard being damaging wind gusts."
The NWS office in Charleston, West Virginia, wrote on X on Wednesday: "Yet another hot and humid day is expected today with triple digit heat indices across much of the lower elevations. A weakening inversion will yield increased coverage of afternoon thunderstorms. Locally gusty winds and heavy rain will be possible underneath any stronger storms."
The NWS office in Wakefield, Virginia, wrote on X on Wednesday: "Extreme Heat Warnings are in effect for the entire area through this evening. The only exception is a Heat Advisory for the MD Beaches (Ocean City, MD area), which is also in effect through this evening. Heat index values of 105-110°+ are expected during peak heating today."
What Happens Next
The extreme heat warnings and heat advisories are set to remain in effect until Wednesday evening.
Residents in affected areas are advised to monitor further weather forecasts. The NWS issues regular forecast updates on its website and social media channels.
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