More than 130 million people in the United States are under alert for a widespread and dangerous heat wave that is expected to peak on Sunday and continue into the new workweek. The southeastern coast is anticipated to bear the brunt of these sweltering conditions, with the highest temperatures forecasted between Savannah, Georgia, and Virginia Beach, Virginia.
On Sunday, extreme heat warnings are in effect for these areas, where heat indices—measuring how hot it feels when humidity is factored in—are projected to reach between 108 and 116 degrees. This oppressive heat is not limited to the Southeast; the Midwest is also bracing for high temperatures, with feels-like conditions ranging from 97 to 111 degrees from Lincoln, Nebraska, to Minneapolis.
In cities such as Charleston, West Virginia, and St. Louis, Missouri, residents should prepare for hot and sticky weather, as both cities are under extreme heat warnings with temperatures feeling like they are between 102 and 112 degrees.
In addition, heat advisories have been issued for major cities including Dallas, Texas; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Indianapolis, Indiana; Tampa, Florida; Little Rock, Arkansas; Kansas City, Missouri; and Washington, D.C.. In these areas, heat indices are expected to range from the 90s up to 110 degrees.
As we move into the workweek, heat advisories are likely to remain in effect on Monday and Tuesday for parts of the I-95 corridor, stretching from Boston to New York City. Heat indices are projected to soar into the mid-90s to 105 degrees, with potentially life-threatening heat and humidity persisting across the eastern half of the country through Wednesday.
Major cities such as St. Louis, Memphis, Charlotte, Savannah, Tampa, and Jackson, Mississippi are expected to experience actual temperatures in the upper 90s to low 100s. A prolonged heat wave is forecasted for these regions, fueled by an abundance of tropical moisture, driving the feels-like temperatures up to a staggering 105 to 115 degrees over multiple consecutive days.
Unfortunately, relief from the oppressive heat is not in sight, as nighttime and early morning lows are anticipated to remain in the 70s or higher. From Monday to Wednesday, large portions of the Southeast, including cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee, Florida, are under an extreme heat risk at a four-out-of-four level.
In contrast, parts of southern and central Minnesota and eastern South Dakota are under severe thunderstorm watches until midnight. Additionally, regions in northern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin are also monitoring severe thunderstorm conditions until 1 a.m. More severe storms are anticipated later on Sunday across parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
As thunderstorms sweep through the northeast on Sunday, significant travel disruptions are being reported, with 1,105 flights canceled nationwide and 8,320 flights delayed as of 9:30 p.m. ET. Residents are urged to stay updated on these severe weather conditions and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
