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.
National heat index map: See which states feel hottest
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:
National high temperature map: Monday, June 23
National high temperatures: Tuesday, June 24
Difference between extreme heat watch and extreme heat warning
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.
How to stay safe during extreme heat
People facing extreme heat should do the following, according to NWS:
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
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:
It's hot. What temperature to set your thermostat during summer heat wave
What are the symptoms of heatstroke?
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:
In the case of a heatstroke, the CDC recommends people do the following:
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
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