Millions of Americans across 31 states are being urged to stay indoors as a severe heatwave sweeps the nation, with temperatures soaring as high as 120°F. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued extreme heat warnings and advisories for vast regions, underscoring a “significant threat” to public health, especially for vulnerable populations.
This alarming heat event, stretching from the Southern Plains to parts of the Northeast, is placing millions at risk. Experts highlight that extreme heat can have serious, long-term health implications, from dehydration to more severe conditions such as heatstroke and cardiovascular problems. The National Weather Service and health authorities are urging people to take precautions and stay informed.
A Dangerous Heatwave: States Affected
The heat warnings span across 31 states, with areas experiencing dangerously high temperatures that exceed seasonal averages. Among the affected states are:
- Alabama (Extreme Heat Warning)
- Arizona (Extreme Heat Warning)
- Arkansas (Extreme Heat Warning)
- Connecticut (Heat Advisory)
- Delaware (Heat Advisory)
- Florida (Extreme Heat Warning)
- Georgia (Extreme Heat Warning)
- Illinois (Heat Advisory)
- Indiana (Heat Advisory)
- Iowa (Heat Advisory)
- Kansas (Heat Advisory)
- Kentucky (Extreme Heat Warning)
- Louisiana (Extreme Heat Warning)
- Maine (Heat Advisory)
- Massachusetts (Heat Advisory)
- Michigan (Heat Advisory)
- Mississippi (Extreme Heat Warning)
- Missouri (Extreme Heat Warning)
- Nebraska (Heat Advisory)
- New Hampshire (Heat Advisory)
- New Jersey (Heat Advisory)
- New York (Extreme Heat Warning)
- North Carolina (Heat Advisory)
- Ohio (Heat Advisory)
- Oklahoma (Heat Advisory)
- Pennsylvania (Heat Advisory)
- Rhode Island (Heat Advisory)
- South Carolina (Heat Advisory)
- Tennessee (Extreme Heat Warning)
- Texas (Heat Advisory)
- West Virginia (Extreme Heat Warning)
According to the NWS, daytime temperatures are expected to remain dangerously high, with heat indexes—measuring both temperature and humidity—reaching critical levels. This combined effect poses a major health hazard, particularly in areas with high humidity, where the body is less efficient at cooling itself.
Health Risks and Precautions
Extreme heat poses a significant health threat, particularly to older adults, young children, and those with underlying medical conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that heat-related illnesses account for approximately 700 deaths annually in the United States. Health experts warn that heat exposure can exacerbate cardiovascular diseases, kidney problems, and respiratory conditions.
Professor Jaime Madrigano from Johns Hopkins University notes that extreme heat is also linked to long-term health issues, such as poor reproductive outcomes, including pre-term birth, as well as mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
The NWS and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) both recommend that people in affected areas limit outdoor activities and stay hydrated. Vulnerable individuals are advised to seek air-conditioned spaces, and many communities are offering cooling centres in public buildings, such as libraries.
The OSHA has also provided guidelines for employers to protect workers from heat exposure, including regular breaks and rescheduling strenuous tasks to cooler times of the day.
