College Park, MD – A dangerous heat wave is intensifying across the Midwest this week, with NOAA warning that heat index values could reach 115 degrees before the hottest conditions shift toward the East Coast ahead of the Fourth of July weekend.
According to NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center, the Midwest will experience its most dangerous heat through Thursday, July 2, with widespread Major to Extreme HeatRisk expected across much of the region.
Here’s a state-by-state look at where the greatest impacts are expected:
- Illinois: Among the highest heat risks in the nation, with extreme heat expected around Chicago and across much of the state. Heat index values could exceed 110 degrees, with limited overnight cooling.
- Indiana: Major to extreme heat risk is forecast statewide, with dangerous afternoon heat and overnight lows remaining in the 70s.
- Michigan: Southern Lower Michigan faces major heat risk, while portions of northern Michigan could experience moderate to major impacts as humidity increases.
- Wisconsin: Much of southern and eastern Wisconsin is expected to see major to extreme heat, especially near Milwaukee and Madison.
- Minnesota: Central and southern portions of the state remain under major heat risk, with temperatures climbing into the upper 90s and heat indices above 100 degrees.
- Iowa: Widespread major heat is expected, particularly across central and eastern Iowa, where triple-digit heat index values are likely.
- Missouri: Dangerous heat continues statewide, with afternoon heat index values frequently reaching 100 to 110 degrees.
- Kansas: Eastern Kansas remains under major heat risk as temperatures soar into the upper 90s and low 100s.
- Nebraska: Eastern Nebraska is forecast to experience dangerous heat with prolonged periods of triple-digit heat index values.
NOAA says afternoon temperatures between 95 and 105 degrees, combined with oppressive humidity, will create heat index values ranging from 100 to 115 degrees. Overnight temperatures will only fall into the 70s to near 80 degrees, limiting recovery from the daytime heat.
Forecasters also warn that numerous daily temperature records could be tied or broken through Thursday.
Residents are urged to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the afternoon, spend time in air-conditioned buildings when possible, and check on older adults, young children, and others vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
