Columbus, OH – A sprawling dome of heat will grip the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and Northeast beginning this weekend, with extreme temperatures pushing heat index values to 109°F in some locations through Tuesday — and possibly longer. More than a dozen states are under Extreme Heat Watches or Warnings, covering major metros including Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.
According to the National Weather Service, heat index values could exceed 100°F for four consecutive days starting Saturday, with the worst conditions Sunday and Monday. The heat will be compounded by overnight lows that remain in the upper 70s, offering little relief and raising health risks, particularly for those without air conditioning.
In the Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri are under watches through Tuesday. Heat indices in St. Louis and surrounding counties may peak at 109°F. In Ohio, cities including Cleveland, Dayton, and Cincinnati could reach 104°F. Pennsylvania is bracing for even higher values — with portions of the state expecting a heat index as high as 107°F by Monday.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor labor during peak hours, hydrate regularly, and seek out cooling centers if needed. Power grids may be strained by high air conditioning demand, and cooling shelters are expected to open in larger cities.
Warnings are expected to expand. Stay tuned to local alerts for new advisories over the weekend.
