Dangerous Heat Dome Triggers Alerts Across Eastern United States

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New York: A severe and persistent heat dome has gripped much of the central and eastern United States, raising temperatures and humidity to deadly levels only days before the July 4 holiday weekend.

Meteorologists believe a strong elevated pressure system is trapping hot air over the region, preventing it from exiting and resulting in a prolonged period of intense heat. The system is expected to make temperatures unpleasant over the weekend, with no overnight relief.

Daytime temperatures are expected to rise into the mid-90s to above 100°F (35-40°C) in several states, while the heat index, a measure of how hot it actually feels  could range from 100°F to 115°F (38-46°C) in major cities.

New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Boston, and Detroit are among the most affected cities, with officials warning that prolonged heat may strain electricity grids and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Health officials advised citizens to avoid extended outdoor exercise, remain hydrated, and use cooling centres where available. Several cities have extended public pool hours and deployed mobile cooling units to help vulnerable people. Emergency services have also warned that overnight temperatures may remain abnormally high, restricting the body's ability to recuperate from daily heat exposure, which dramatically raises health hazards during heatwaves.

Peak conditions are predicted to last through Friday and throughout the holiday weekend. Only after Sunday, when occasional storms start to shatter the heat dome, will a gradual easing be conceivable. Officials are cautioning that travel plans, outdoor events, and fireworks celebrations in several states may be impacted by the severe weather.