Millions of Americans under extreme heat alerts in the days leading up to America's 250th birthday
To start the week, the heat will steadily get more unbearable across the Midwest, where temperatures will reach the mid to upper 90s in cities such as St. Louis and Detroit.
An intense heat wave is headed for over 70 million Americans
HOLIDAY HEAT: Millions of Americans are under extreme heat warnings as sweltering temperatures are expected across the Central and Eastern U.S. This extreme heat could last until America's 250th birthday this weekend.
Millions of Americans hoping for a warm holiday weekend will get their wish, as temperatures are expected to soar above average across the country.
The FOX Forecast Center is predicting a massive ridge of high pressure to build across the Central and Eastern U.S. late this week, potentially bringing extreme heat that could last until July 4.
The large ridge of high pressure will move across the Central U.S. before expanding to the east by the middle of the week.
HOW HIGH PRESSURE AND LOW PRESSURE DRIVE THE WEATHER
As this occurs, a massive heat dome will settle over the Midwest and the Ohio Valley, allowing temperatures to soar with little change.
The heat dome helps trap the warm weather, rather than allowing it to rise and dissipate into the atmosphere, leaving over 70 million Americans under extreme heat alerts for most of the week.
(FOX Weather)
According to the FOX Forecast Center, to start the week, the heat will steadily get more unbearable across the Midwest, where temperatures will reach the mid to upper 90s in cities such as St. Louis and Detroit.
WHAT IS A HEAT DOME AND HOW CAN IT AFFECT YOU DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS?
"With dew points rising into the mid to lower 70s, heat index values will approach 105 degrees or higher," the FOX Forecast Center said. "As a result, an extreme heat risk is likely across the Midwest, Ohio Valley and Tennessee Valley through Wednesday and Thursday."
(FOX Weather)
This will no doubt make for intense conditions for beachgoers looking to enjoy the 250th birthday of our great nation.
EXTREME HEAT SAFETY: RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS AND HOW TO TREAT IT
As people flock outdoors to hang by the pool, at the beach, for barbecues and more, it is important to prepare for the conditions by wearing sun protection and drinking plenty of hydrating fluids.
Huntington Beach, CA - July 04: The Espinoza, Vazquez and Romero families of Fallbrook grill tacos on the beach beneath their giant American flag as they await the fireworks over the ocean Sunday, July 4, 2021 in Huntington Beach, CA. The festival featured live entertainment & DJs, merchant & crafts vendor booths, amusements & carnival rides, food trucks, beer & wine garden, sponsor activations, live radio broadcasts, and prize giveaways. A Surf City Run 5K kicked off the day and a neighborhood parade that included 3 separate routes replaced the large parade of years past before the pandemic. The grand finale featured fireworks over the ocean shot off from the pier at 9pm.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times / Getty Images)
Popular cities such as Chicago will see a heat index in the lower triple digits from Monday through Thursday.
By the end of the workweek, the heat will shift to the Eastern U.S., allowing many coastal cities to experience potentially record-breaking temperatures and dangerously high heat index values.
EXTREME HEAT SAFETY: HOW TO PREPARE AND STAY COOL DURING A HEAT WAVE
For example, Raleigh, North Carolina, could see its warmest day on record, with a potential high of 106 degrees late this week.
A person drinks a bottle of water while walking in the heat in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 30, 2023, as temperatures reach more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.78C). July is on track to be the hottest month in recorded history, scientists confirmed on July 27, as UN chief Antonio Guterres warned Earth has moved into an "era of global boiling".
(PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP / Getty Images)
To stay cool in the heat, try wearing loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light clothing doesn’t absorb sunlight as easily as dark colors do.
Lightweight, breathable materials like linen, cotton and muslin are all great for hot temperatures.
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Other locations, such as New York City and Washington, D.C., will see temperatures climb into the upper 90s and around 100 degrees, making for dangerous conditions.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 04: A person walks with a dog in the morning, before temperatures climb, past a sign warning of hot asphalt temperatures on September 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. A powerful heat wave is impacting Southern California, with an excessive heat warning today through Friday affecting much of the region away from the coastline.
(Mario Tama / Getty Images)
With the holiday weekend approaching, millions of Americans will undoubtedly need to remain weather-aware and prepare for the heat if spending time outdoors for America 250 on Saturday.
Download the free FOX Weather app to stay up-to-date with the latest conditions and alerts to stay safe for the July 4th weekend.