Map shows heat dome set to break centuries-old temperature records across US
A heat dome has begun to blanket the US and is expected to bake more than 30 states with high temperatures that could shatter centuries-old records.
The heat dome started today, the first day of summer, and will roast much of the country into next week.
More than 100million Americans are bracing for the heat, from the Central Plains to the Northeast.
Daily high temperature records dating back to the 19th century could be broken in cities including New York City, Pittsburgh and Trenton, New Jersey, according to FOX Weather.
What is a heat dome?
A heat dome is a high-pressure system that traps hot air and simultaneously blocks cool air.
It causes prolonged heatwaves.
The heatwave in the US will peak on Monday. Such intense heat is rare in the US in June.
It comes as the UK and northern Europe have already been enveloped in their first heatwave of the year.
Where is the heat dome in the US?
On Friday, temperatures in central states including Illinois, Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska reached the upper 90 degrees Fahrenheit and lower 100s, according to the National Weather Service.
This weekend, the heat dome is expected to move east and bring the heat to the Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic region and the Northeast.
On Saturday, temperatures in New York City are forecast to reach the low 90s. On Sunday, temperatures in Boston and Philadelphia are expected to hit the mid-90s.
More than 200million Americans will experience temperatures of at least 90 degrees with high humidity.
How should Americans endure the heat dome?
The National Weather Service advises residents affected by the heat dome to drink a lot of water, avoid direct sunlight and stay in air-conditioned places.
Cities including New York and Philadelphia are planning to open cooling centers for the public.
The heat dome comes after rain has dampened the Northeast nearly every week for about a month.
‘A lot of those folks have been saying, where’s summer?’ said AccuWeather meteorologist Tom Kines. ‘Well, buckle up, because it’s coming.’
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