Hundreds of Weather Records Could Be Broken Next Week
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
More than 300 temperature records could be challenged next week as the severe heat dome that has prompted countless warnings across much of the United States persists.
Why It Matters
Heat is the deadliest weather hazard in the U.S. High temperatures, especially when paired with high humidity, can increase the chances of heat-related impacts and illnesses.
National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists have issued countless heat advisories and extreme heat warnings across the Midwestern, Central and Southern U.S. this past week, and the oppressive weather is expected to continue next week. In some cases, it will be so severe as to challenge hundreds of local temperature records.
File photo of a thermometer on a hot day.
File photo of a thermometer on a hot day.
Dmitriy83/Getty
What To Know
On Friday, the NWS issued heat advisories across much of the central U.S. and Eastern Seaboard. In some cases, extreme heat warnings were issued.
The heat is expected to persist for several days. The NWS HeatRisk map shows widespread severe heat-related impacts across the central U.S. and Southeast through Saturday. Then, the heat begins to creep eastward by Sunday, while also expanding into the Upper Midwest. Extreme heat-related impacts, the most severe level on the map,are expected in states like South Carolina and Georgia.
Extreme heat-related impacts will continue to affect even more Southern states through Wednesday, until the impacts begin to subside by next Thursday.
Extreme heat-related impacts are described as "rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with no overnight relief affecting anyone without cooling/hydration as well as health systems, industries, and infrastructure."
WFLA-TV chief meteorologist Jeff Berardelli called attention to the intense weather in a post on X on Friday morning.
"This is one of the biggest and most intense heat domes I remember in recent years in the SE/ Midwest," Berardelli posted, alongside a map of the states expecting heat indices of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit next week. "By early week it expands such that everyone in pink has a heat index of 100+, with a few spots peaking near 120. About 350 heat records (day and night) in jeopardy thru next week. Stay cool!!"
This is one of the biggest and most intense heat domes I remember in recent years in the SE/ Midwest. By early week it expands such that everyone in pink has a heat index of 100+, with a few spots peaking near 120. About 350 heat records (day and night) in jeopardy thru next… pic.twitter.com/4tevodO39h — Jeff Berardelli (@WeatherProf) July 25, 2025
In many cases, the high minimum temperatures will be the records that are challenged, AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva told Newsweek.
"Record high [minimums] are when your low temperature at night is at a record high," DaSilva said.
As temperatures remain warm even in the nighttime hours, DaSilva said heat-related impacts can be especially severe. Sleep is generally affected, and areas where people often go to cool down, such as cooling centers or movie theaters, are closed.
What People Are Saying
NWS Raleigh posted on X on July 21: "It's been a busy few days, but it's worth noting that Raleigh-Durham Airport only got down to a low of 80 degrees on July 18, which ties the all-time record high minimum temperature. This occurred four other times since records began: in 2010, 1942, 1936, and 1887."
WCNC chief meteorologist Brad Panovich posted on X on Thursday: "The next 7 days will be brutal and possibly the hottest 7-day period on record for #Charlotte, but signs of relief are evident in the long-range 8-14 day outlook, with below-average temperatures. So take it easy and be ready for relief."
FOX Weather posted on X on Friday: "EXTREME HEAT ALERT: New York City is under a major heat dome, bringing extreme humidity and potentially record-high temps with the mercury hitting the 90s and feels-like temps soaring past 100 degrees."
East Tennessee Weather Network posted on X on Friday: "Higher than the typical summertime temperatures are expected this weekend into next week across the area, as near-record highs & lows mixed with humidity will make it feel 100-105+ at times, especially in urban areas. Heat stroke is an emergency."
What Happens Next
Although the heat dome is expected to persist well into next week, there's hope on the horizon. The NWS Climate Prediction Center anticipates below-average temperatures for the Upper Midwest, Central U.S. and Northeast from August 1 to 7. However, during the same time frame, slightly above-average temperatures are expected across the South and West.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
Millions Told To Avoid Drive-Thru Lanes
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of drivers have been urged to steer clear of drive-thru lanes in a bid to improve air quality amid a string of pollution warnings across a swathe of the US. Poor air across Minnesota and Texas prompted forecasters at the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a string of alerts on Tuesday. They suggested a number of tips that drivers and residents can follow to help ease the situation—and warned that the health of vulnerable groups, such as people with asthma or heart problems, could be at risk. Why It Matters A 2020 study from researchers at the University of Minnesota researchers revealed that pollution leads to 100,000 deaths each year in the U.S. Around half of all air pollution-related deaths are from fine particulate matter, which arise from burning fossil fuels, while the remaining fatalities are largely caused from the animal agriculture industry, dust from construction and roads, and burning wood for heating and cooking. Stock image illustrating emissions from a car's exhaust pipe. Stock image illustrating emissions from a car's exhaust To Know Minnesota's poor air quality has been exacerbated by wildfire smoke, the NWS said. Parts of the state have been beset by blazes in recent months, with one wildfire in May consuming more than 35,000 acres of land, although the current problems are being caused by smoke drifting down from Canadian fires. The smoke, combined with current weather conditions, has led to poor air quality in some areas. In Texas, which is currently also subject to a number of heat warnings, it is the ozone which is causing problems for air quality. Ozone is a gas that occurs both above the Earth and at ground level. The layer in the upper atmosphere protects the planet from the Sun's radiation, but ozone that forms at ground level—caused by a chemical reaction in the sunlight between pollutants such as car exhaust fumes and power plant emissions—is harmful. It is hoped that motorists will leave their vehicles at home, avoid idling their engines or using drive-thru lanes, and instead use public transport or car shares to lessen the impact on the environment. Minnesota Warnings "The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particles pollution," the NWS said. "The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Red or Unhealthy category." North central, northwest, northeast, and east central Minnesota are all affected by the warning, which will remain in place from 6 a.m. CDT Tuesday until 11 p.m. CDT Wednesday. The general public may suffer some adverse effects from the poor quality air, while "sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may experience health effects," the NWS added. "The general public should limit prolonged or heavy exertion. Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning devices. Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle idling as much as possible. Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors." Texas Warnings The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued an "Ozone Action Day" (OAD) for the areas of Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Galveston, and Brazoria, the NWS said. The OAD alert "informs the public when conditions are forecast to be favorable for high ozone levels," according to the TCEQ website. "Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone air pollution…[on]Tuesday," the NWS said. "You can help prevent ozone pollution by sharing a ride, walking, riding a bicycle, taking your lunch to work, avoiding drive-through lanes, conserving energy, and keeping your vehicle properly tuned." What People Are Saying The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says: "Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles. These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system—whether you are outdoors or indoors, where they can cause health problems…[and] also aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases—and are even linked to premature deaths in people with these conditions." Addressing the problem of ozone, the EPA says: "Ozone in the air we breathe can harm our health, especially on hot sunny days when ozone can reach unhealthy levels. People at greatest risk of harm from breathing air containing ozone include people with asthma." What Happens Next Residents of Minnesota and Texas should check their local forecasts for the most-up-to-date information and follow the advice issued by authorities relating to air quality warnings.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Former WEWS meteorologist Mark Johnson finds employment with WKYC parent company TEGNA
Mark Johnson, former long-time meteorologist at Channel 5 who was suddenly let go in May, has reportedly found new employment. Johnson will now make his weather predictions for TEGNA, the parent company of WKYC, on a contract basis, according to a report from Cleveland Scene. He will not forecast in the Cleveland market due to contract conflicts, the report added. 'I will be doing some summer relief freelance fill-in work for the Tegna Company, for their TV stations outside of Northern Ohio," Johnson told the Scene in a text message July 28. Johnson did not note to the Scene which stations he would be forecasting for. The Beacon Journal has reached out to Johnson and WKYC for comment. Hollie Strano: Former WKYC meteorologist, to give forecast for Southern radio stations Why was Mark John fired from Channel 5? Channel 5 reported Johnson was no longer a WEWS meteorologist on the afternoon of May 9. "News 5 wants to share with our viewers a change to our on-air staffing," the station wrote in a news post on its website. "Meteorologist Mark Johnson is no longer employed at WEWS." The brief news story did not include a reason for the separation or the nature of it, but included a statement from WEWS Vice President and General Manager Steve Weinstein: "We want our audiences to know that News 5 and its parent company, Scripps, take protecting our audiences' trust very seriously by requiring our employees to adhere to the highest ethical standards. We cannot provide further details, as this is a personnel matter." An attorney representing Mark Johnson called Johnson's firing "unfounded and disappointing," according to a statement obtained by 'Mark Johnson has built a distinguished reputation over three decades as a trusted and respected meteorologist in the community,' Daniel Levin of Prominent Brand + Talent said in the statement. 'His work has earned him the public trust and internal recognition and his performance evaluations have always been exemplary – consistently reflecting his dedication, reliability and value to Scripps and the WEWS family." 'I have represented [him] for over 25 years. Mark is a model professional. Of conduct that would be deemed inappropriate, there's none of that,' Levin added. Who replaced Mark Johnson at Channel 5? Channel 5 hired Frank Marzullo to take over Johnson's spot a few weeks after his firing. How long was Mark Johnson at Channel 5? Johnson joined News 5 Cleveland in 1993 where he received Emmy Awards for his work in weather forecasting. He graduated from Kent State University in 1988, according to his LinkedIn profile. Jennifer Pignolet and Dan Kadar contributed to this report. Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@ or on Twitter @athompsonABJ This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Mark Johnson hired by WKYC parent company TEGNA to forecast weather Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
What is a derecho? These 'inland hurricanes' can cause tremendous damage
The forecast is worrisome: The National Weather Service predicted late-afternoon thunderstorms would congeal into a derecho over eastern South Dakota by the evening of July 28. Then, the storm and winds, which could reach hurricane force in some areas, will move into parts of southern Minnesota and northern Iowa, forecasters said. Sometimes referred to as an inland hurricane, derechos are among weather's most destructive phenomena. But what, exactly, is a derecho? What is a derecho? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration defines a derecho (duh-RAY'-choh) as "a widespread, long-lived wind storm that is associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms." Derechos can pack lethal gusts in excess of 100 mph – hurricane strength – across a front stretching for many miles, and lasting for hours. Storms that have sustained winds of at least 58 mph and leave a path of damage at least 250 miles long qualify as derechos, according to the National Weather Service. Classic derechos can cause extensive damage, leading to massive power outages and toppling tons of trees. Derechos are a relatively rare event, as they only tend to occur from once a year to once every four years across portions of the eastern two-thirds of the United States, according to the National Weather Service. 'People should take these storms seriously,' weather service meteorologist Brian Barjenbruch said. 'These winds are incredibly strong.' 70% of derechos strike from May through August A 700-mile derecho in June 2012 that roared into Washington, D.C., topped 100 mph. Another derecho that blasted across the Midwest in August 2020 killed four people and left behind billions of dollars in damage. It had wind gusts that were estimated as high as 140 mph in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. By definition, a derecho should have winds that persist for at least six hours; however, they can last much longer. The 2020 Midwest derecho lasted for 14 hours. Most derechos, 70%, occur during the months of May through August, the weather service said. Although a derecho can produce destruction similar to the strength of tornadoes, the damage typically moves in one direction along a relatively straight swath, the weather service said. As a result, the term "straight-line wind damage" sometimes is used to describe derecho damage. Where did the term derecho come from? The term derecho was coined in 1888 by University of Iowa physics professor Gustavus Hinrichs, according to NOAA. The word is Spanish for "direct" or "straight." The term was used for a short time during the late 19th century, but it disappeared from English use for nearly 100 years, until meteorologists starting using the term again in the mid-1980s. The Storm Prediction Center, part of the weather service, determines whether a storm is officially classified as a derecho. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is a derecho? Storm can bring hurricane-force winds. Solve the daily Crossword
