Unusually extreme summer heat is set to scorch large areas of the United States in the coming days, with nearly 30 million people under heat advisories or extreme heat warnings, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Some of the most severe conditions will be felt in the West, where Death Valley, California — one of the hottest places on Earth — is forecast to reach 121°F by August 12. In nearby cities, Las Vegas is expected to hit 110°F and Phoenix 111°F, prompting extreme heat warnings.
The Southwest will bear the brunt of the heat from August 10–13, with the NWS warning of a significant rise in heat-related illnesses. Further north, the Pacific Northwest will also see unusually high temperatures. Spokane, Washington, is forecast to reach 100–103°F on August 11 and 12, posing a moderate to major risk of heat-related illness. Seattle, where air conditioning is less common, is under a heat advisory as temperatures climb into the mid-to-upper 80s.
In the southern Plains, much of Oklahoma is under a heat advisory, with a heat index expected to reach 106°F. The Northeast and parts of the Great Lakes region will also experience a surge in temperatures, with highs in the mid-90s and humidity levels increasing the risk of heat exhaustion. AccuWeather reports that daytime highs could be as much as 20°F above average for mid-August, with August 12 expected to be the peak of the heatwave. Several cities could tie or break temperature records set more than two decades ago.
Meanwhile, the Southeast is forecast to remain relatively cooler than average, thanks to cloud cover and scattered showers.
Heat Safety Tips from the NWS:
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Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
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Remain indoors with air conditioning or fans when possible.
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Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
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Apply sunscreen when outdoors.
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Seek shade and take frequent breaks if working or exercising outside.
Authorities urge residents to take the warnings seriously, as extreme heat can be life-threatening, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
