U.S. HEAT DOME EXPECTED TO BRING WEEK OF DANGEROUS TEMPERATURES

Meteorologists are warning that a major heat dome is expected to build across much of the continental United States starting this weekend, bringing dangerous temperatures that could last at least a week, according to the Associated Press. AP reported that the heat dome is forecast to form first over the Northern Plains before expanding across large portions of the country.

AP reported that temperatures could run 15 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit above normal across roughly two-thirds of the United States. Forecasters said the heat could affect areas from the Mountain West and Northern Plains to Texas, the Southeast and the East Coast, with triple-digit daytime temperatures possible in parts of the interior West and Plains.

The most dangerous part of the event may be overnight heat, according to AP. Meteorologists said many local records expected to be tied or broken are overnight high-temperature records, particularly in areas where humidity remains high and temperatures do not fall enough for people, buildings and infrastructure to recover after daytime heat.

AP reported that more than 90 local temperature records may be tied or broken during the heat wave. Forecasters said dangerous nighttime lows are especially concerning in the Southeast, where high humidity can increase heat stress and reduce the body's ability to cool down.

The heat dome is being driven by a broad area of strong high pressure, according to AP. Such systems can trap hot air near the surface, limit cloud formation and suppress storm development, creating prolonged periods of high temperatures. Meteorologists told AP that dry conditions and climate change are contributing to the scale and intensity of the event.

Public-health officials have warned that prolonged heat can be deadly even when daytime temperatures alone do not appear extreme. AP reported that high overnight temperatures can be especially dangerous because people without air conditioning, outdoor workers, older adults, children and people with chronic illnesses may not get enough relief between hot days.

The forecast follows recent severe heat impacts in the United States. AP reported earlier this week that unbearable heat was suspected in 19 deaths in New Jersey after several days of extreme temperatures, with many victims found in homes without air conditioning or outdoors.

The coming heat wave could also worsen wildfire conditions in drought-affected areas, according to AP. Hot, dry and stagnant conditions can stress vegetation, increase fire danger and strain electricity systems as air-conditioning demand rises.

The immediate question is how long the heat dome persists and whether local governments can reduce risk through cooling centers, public warnings, outreach to vulnerable residents and power-grid readiness. AP reported that forecasters said the event could last at least a week and possibly longer in some areas.

Fact-check date: 10 July 2026
Article type: News
Sources: Associated Press, U.S. meteorologists and public-health reporting cited by AP