Millions at risk amid widespread heat wave
Nearly 190 million Americans are under some form of heat advisory or warning as of Monday afternoon amid an early summer heat wave.
Why it matters: The event, which broke temperature records across the West and Alaska before shifting east, is bringing an especially dangerous combination of heat and humidity.
Much of the eastern U.S. is at "major" or "extreme" risk of heat-related impacts this week, per the National Weather Service's experimental HeatRisk index.
By the numbers: Nearly 370 daily high temperature records were tied or broken between last Monday and Saturday, according to NOAA data.
Boulder, Colorado and nearby Fort Collins broke 131-year and 130-year daily records, respectively, with highs of 98°F in both cities.
A 119-year daily record fell in Paradise, Arizona with a high of 100°F, while a 108-year daily record in Provo, Utah was toppled at 102°F.
Zoom in: The extreme conditions are being driven by a " heat dome," with high pressure trapping warm, humid air over vast areas.
Between the lines: Human-caused climate change is making heat waves both more likely and more intense, researchers say.
While daytime highs often make the headlines, average nighttime temperatures are also increasing nationwide — meaning evenings can offer less respite.
Threat level: People with underlying health conditions, outdoor workers and those without air conditioning are especially vulnerable to heat waves.
Heavy A/C use, meanwhile, may strain electric grids and cause blackouts.
Power outages were affecting thousands of people in Queens, New York as of Monday afternoon, per local station PIX11.
What they're saying: " Heat tends to have cumulative effects on the body, and we are currently forecasting three consecutive days of 95°F+ and 5-6 days of 90°F+ taking into account temperatures this past weekend," reads a Monday afternoon forecast discussion from the NWS' Mt. Holly, New Jersey office.
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