TL/DR –
A dangerous heatwave is impacting many parts of the US, resulting in heat alerts for over 100 million Americans, including the densely populated I-95 corridor. There are also concerns around wildfires in California, where 89,700 acres have already burned this year, and a possible tropical system developing in the southwest Gulf of Mexico. In addition, Iowa is facing “catastrophic flooding” due to heavy rainfall, leading to evacuations and a disaster proclamation by the governor.
Dangerous heat wave strikes the US; potential tropical system development
A hazardous heat wave is plaguing a large part of the US, particularly the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic, while a tropical system may form in the southwest Gulf of Mexico this weekend.
Americans under heat alerts and possible tropical system development
Over 100 million Americans, including those in the densely populated I-95 corridor, are under heat alerts. Washington, DC, where temperatures might reach triple digits for the first time since 2016, is under a heat emergency. A tropical system on the heels of Alberto might develop in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and into northeastern Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center.
California enduring high temperatures; ‘catastrophic flooding’ in Iowa
Heat alerts are in effect for southern and central California, where firefighters are battling the Sites Fire. Meanwhile, Iowa is experiencing ‘catastrophic flooding’, with the governor issuing a disaster declaration for 21 counties in northwest Iowa and directing state resources to assist affected communities.
Heat wave to intensify and expand this weekend
The heat wave is set to intensify and expand this weekend, with record high temperatures expected. The extreme heat and humidity could make it feel between 100 and 105 degrees over a large area, with 110 degrees possible in the southern mid-Atlantic.
The nation’s capital could potentially hit 100 degrees for the first time in eight years. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a prolonged heat emergency, with the National Weather Service predicting temperatures in the upper 90s and possibly triple digits in the city.
State of preparedness in Maryland; prolonged heat wave in New York
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of preparedness ahead of the potentially hazardous heat wave. New York City is also grappling with what might be the longest stretch of 90-degree temperatures in June, prompting a heat advisory from the National Weather Service.
Philadelphia has extended a heat health emergency, with heat alerts in place through the weekend, and temperatures expected to near 99 degrees. In addition, heat alerts are in place for parts of the west, including California, Arizona, and Utah, with temperatures predicted to rise 10 to 15 degrees above normal for Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Sacramento, and Bakersfield, California, through the weekend.
—
Read More US News