100-Degree Heat Dome to Scorch Southern U.S. with Weeks of Extreme Temperatures

Heat dome in southern US

Temperatures to surpass 110°F

Hot nights offer no relief

A powerful heat dome will settle over the southern United States in the coming days.

It will push triple-digit temperatures across a broad region from Texas to Missouri.

According to AccuWeather, this intense weather pattern may persist through much of August, impacting millions.

Cities in the Mississippi Valley corridor and the Southern Plains will be the hardest hit.

Heat Dome in Southern US to Reach Historic Highs

100-Degree Heat Dome to Scorch Southern US-Photo: Shutterstock

The dome, caused by a large zone of high pressure, will intensify heat and humidity.

Dallas, for example, did not hit 100°F until July 18.

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Now, it’s expected to see multiple days above that threshold, likely erasing its below-average monthly temperature streak.

Kansas City is also expected to top 100°F for the first time since August 2023.

Extreme Heat Poses Risks to US Health and Labor

“The core of the dome may shift, but it will persist,” warned AccuWeather senior meteorologist Chad Merrill.

High temperatures will pose serious risks for people working outdoors.

Workers and athletes are urged to take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.

The heat is also expected to affect school activities, farming operations, and construction projects across several states.

Stifling Conditions and No Relief at Night

Many US cities will endure sweltering nights with extreme temperatures, with lows between 77°F and 81°F.

“The area from Texas to the Ozarks still has moist soil,” Merrill explained.

That moisture will evaporate and create oppressive, humid conditions for millions.

Heat index values of up to 110°F are expected across these regions in the coming week.

Drought and Rising Temperatures in the US

With the heat dome centered over the Southern Plains, rainfall will be scarce.

This prolonged pattern will worsen the ongoing drought in Kansas and Nebraska.

“Heat and lack of rain will intensify drought in the coming weeks,” Merrill added.

Highs will exceed 100°F in many areas, and could reach 110°F. As soil dries out, temperatures are expected to climb even further.

Limited Rain and Blocked Tropical Circulation

Forecasters say this is one of the most persistent heat domes of the year.

The high-pressure system will block tropical storms from moving into the southern US.

A small influx of tropical moisture may move in from the Gulf toward Texas and from Mexico into the deserts and High Plains, possibly bringing isolated storms.

However, the rain is unlikely to provide meaningful relief from the dominant heat.

Northeast Enjoys Cooler Air

In contrast, the northeastern US will see milder and less humid conditions. A dip in the jet stream will bring frequent cold fronts to the region.

This will deliver drier air and moderate temperatures to cities like New York and Boston. “Heat will return briefly to the Northeast, but it will be short-lived,” Merrill noted.

These fronts will also help block tropical storms from reaching the Atlantic Coast.

Still, severe thunderstorms with strong wind gusts may develop, and officials warn of possible derechos — long-lived windstorms — moving from the Northern Plains to the Ohio Valley.

Heat Will Rebound Midweek

While the South suffers oppressive conditions, the Northeast will enjoy a brief respite early next week, aided by increased humidity and rain.

But the relief won’t last. Heat is expected to return midweek, though another cooldown is likely by the following weekend. The heat dome is a powerful reminder of summer’s intensity in the US.

Local and state authorities are preparing contingency plans to manage the risks of prolonged heat exposure. With no nighttime relief and high humidity, the risk of heat stroke will be extreme.

Millions must brace for an extended period of relentless, dangerous heat, AccuWeather warns.