Image Source: The Guardian
The eastern half of the United States is currently under an extreme heat warning as more than 185 million people confront dangerously high temperatures. On July 28, 2025, the warnings were amplified due to oppressive heat and humidity stretching from the Mississippi River Valley across a significant portion of the region.
The southeastern states are bracing for the most severe conditions. Reports indicate that areas stretching from the Carolinas down to Florida could expect heat index values that feel as hot as 120°F (49°C) when humidity is factored in. These oppressive heat levels pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.
Forecasts have suggested that temperatures in parts of Mississippi and Louisiana may even reach an alarming heat index of 120°F (49°C), leading to a feeling of extreme discomfort. Meanwhile, cities including Des Moines, St. Louis, Memphis, New Orleans, Jacksonville, and Raleigh are experiencing extreme heat warnings with genuine temperatures predicted to rise into the mid-90s and low 100s.
According to local weather reports, conditions on the ground are hazardous. The heat risk scale classifies the most dangerous conditions as level four out of four, particularly affecting Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. A lesser but still critical level three zone extends through the mid-Atlantic and the Midwest, where temperatures felt as though they were between 97°F and 111°F (36°C to 44°C) over the preceding weekend.
In Tampa, an unprecedented milestone was recorded over the weekend as temperatures soared to 100°F (37.8°C), setting a new daily record. Other cities, including St. Louis and Charlotte, are expected to maintain temperatures that will feel between 105°F and 115°F for several days, due to high levels of tropical moisture saturating the air.
As nighttime falls, minimal relief is expected; overnight temperatures are projected to linger in the 70s and above, maintaining uncomfortable conditions throughout the night. The extreme heat is anticipated to persist into midweek before a cold front finally approaches, promising a welcome drop in temperatures towards the weekend.
Nonetheless, the dangers associated with the extreme heat cannot be overstated. Data from the Environmental Protection Agency indicates there are more than 1,300 deaths annually in the US attributed to extreme heat. Vulnerable groups—such as migrants, prisoners, and schoolchildren in buildings with inadequate cooling—are at heightened risk during these severe heat events.
Amid increasing temperatures and related crises, many federal agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), continue to face staffing challenges due to budget cuts and hiring freezes instituted in previous administrations. This situation raises concerns regarding the ability to respond effectively to extreme weather threats as the nation grapples with a warming climate and increasing frequency of extreme weather incidents.
It is imperative for residents in affected areas to remain informed and vigilant during this heatwave. Health experts recommend staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activities outdoors, and seeking air-conditioned locations whenever possible to mitigate health risks associated with extreme temperatures.
FAQ about the Extreme Heat Warning
What areas are under extreme heat warnings?
The warnings currently affect the eastern United States, with particular emphasis on southeastern states such as Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
What are the expected temperatures during this heatwave?
Temperatures may reach into the mid-90s and low 100s, with heat indices potentially soaring to feel like 120°F (49°C) in some areas.
How can people protect themselves from extreme heat?
Residents are advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and seek air-conditioned places to avoid heat-related illnesses.
How does extreme heat affect vulnerable populations?
Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and individuals without access to cooling, face heightened risks during extreme heat events. It’s crucial to monitor their wellbeing during these conditions.
When can we expect relief from the heat?
A cold front is predicted to move in later this week, bringing a much-needed decline in temperatures and an end to the oppressive heatwave.