Extreme heat hits the US: See map of impacted states
States across the central and eastern U.S. are under extreme heat watches and warnings as the areas face a dangerous heat wave throughout the first half of the week, according to the National Weather Service.
"Extremely dangerous heat wave expands from Midwest to East Coast," the NWS stated in a post on the social media website X.
Over the weekend, the weather service issued extreme heat warnings in parts of more than a dozen states, with many Americans facing the highest temperatures of the year so far. Extreme heat watches were also issued in several states.
"Though record high temperatures are expected in the coming days, the duration of the heat, as demonstrated by the numerous record warm morning lows, will make this period especially oppressive," the National Weather Service posted on X June 20.
'Rare' and 'dangerous': Record-smashing heat wave to scorch tens of millions
NWS Boston warns that people will be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and asks people to be cautious when working outdoors or participating in outdoor activities.
"This level of heat risk is known for being rare and/or long duration with little to no overnight relief, and affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration," the weather service stated in an online forecast released on June 23.
Here's everything you need to know about the heat wave.
'Rare' and 'dangerous': Record-smashing heat wave to scorch tens of millions.
The map embeds below identify areas where the heat index is forecasted to reach NWS-defined levels from "Caution" (80 degrees Fahrenheit) to "Extreme Danger" (above 125 degrees).
Heat index measures how hot it actually feels when factoring for humidity. Prolonged exposure to heat index above 80 degrees can lead to fatigue, as previously reported by USA TODAY. As it gets hotter, the risk continues to increase − potentially resulting in heat stroke or even death. Older adults, children, and outdoor workers are generally at higher risk of heat-related incidents.
Heat index map: Monday, June 23:
Heat index map: Tuesday, June 24:
Areas where dangerous heat is possible are placed under an extreme heat warning and are asked to prepare in case it happens.
Areas where dangerous heat "is happening or about to happen" are placed under an extreme heat warning, according to the weather service.
People facing extreme heat should do the following, according to NWS:
Drink plenty of fluids
Stay in an air-conditioned room
Stay out of the sun
Check up on relatives and neighbors
Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles
Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing outdoors
Limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening
Extreme heat could negatively impact people's health.
"Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events," according to the National Weather Service.
The following factors increase the possibility of a heat-related illness, according to the National Park Service:
High humidity
High elevation
Strenuous activity
Age: Infants, young children and people over 65 are more susceptible to heat illness
Pregnancy
Obesity
Heart disease
Poor circulation
Fever
Mental illness
Dehydration
Sunburn
Prescription drug and alcohol use
It's hot. What temperature to set your thermostat during summer heat wave
There are multiple forms of heat illnesses, but heatstroke is the deadliest and most dangerous, according to the NPS.
The following are symptoms of heatstroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Body temperature of 103 degrees or higher
Skins that is hot, red, dry or damp
Fast, strong pulse
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Losing consciousness
In the case of a heatstroke, the CDC recommends people do the following:
Call 911 immediately
Move the person suffering from heatstroke to a cool location
Lower the person's body temperature with a cool cloth or bath
Do not give the person suffering from a heatstroke water or anything to drink
Contributing: Doyle Rice and staff, USA TODAY
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn,X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: See map of high temperatures, heat index around the US
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