Nearly 170 million Americans living across the central and eastern U.S. this week have been be forced to endure dangerous heat as city officials declared emergencies and schools announced early closures.
In upstate New York, it already as if it were more than 100 degrees at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday morning and thousands of customers were left without power following power outages.It is the last week of school for districts there, and many have switched to half-day schedules.
“These changes in schedule were made to ensure the health and safety of both students and staff and to minimize the potential for heat-related illnesses,” Central School District Superintendent Dr. Marie Wiles said in a statement.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency across dozens of counties in response to the rising temperatures. Down the East Coast, Philadelphia health officials declared a heat health emergency, urging people to look out for each other.
The cause of the triple-digit temperatures is a massive heat dome. AccuWeather warned it could lead to levels of heat and humidity not seen in June in many years.
"Bright sun and humid conditions will cause AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures to peak above 100 degrees for millions,” warned AccuWeather meteorologist Jacob Hinson.
Sweltering heat hits dozens of states across the central and eastern U.S.
- Heat dome mapped: See which states are impacted
- Some 170 million Americans to feel dangerous heat through mid-week
- What is a heat dome?
- Potential record-breaking heat wave descends on NYC, mayoral primary voting could be affected
- Heat stroke signs and symptoms – and how to avoid it during a heat wave
Dangerous heat is forecast from the Midwest to the East Coast. Here's where
14:51 , Julia MustoExtremely dangerous heat wave expands from Midwest to East Coast. Thunderstorms may produce large hail, damaging wind gusts and tornadoes across the northern Plains and Upper Mississippi Valley. Repeating storms may lead to flash flooding in parts of the Southern High Plains. pic.twitter.com/MXyMJXbPlY
— National Weather Service (@NWS) June 22, 2025
Some 170 million Americans to feel dangerous heat through mid-week
14:58 , Julia Musto
Tens of millions of Americans are forecast to feel the effects of dangerous heat through mid-week.
Many cities already saw triple-digit temperatures over the weekend.
Major cities, which already run hotter than the suburbs, could see such conditions for several days. There won’t be much relief overnight, forecasters warned.
Much of the central U.S. will feel highs in well into the mid-90s as a heat dome envelops much of America’s east.
"Vulnerable people, such as the elderly or young children, are most susceptible to heat-related illness," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Jacob Hinson. "Caution should be taken if spending any appreciable amount of time outside, such as by staying hydrated with non-alcoholic beverages, taking frequent breaks and seeking shade."
'Ring of fire' pattern seen from satellites around heat dome
14:59 , Julia MustoSometimes, this weather pattern is called the "ring of fire" as clusters of storms parade around the center of a heat dome. Right now, we're at the center of the ring with storms arcing across Minnesota, Ontario, and New York. Imagery courtesy of College of DuPage. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/tyPm6MGmAB
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) June 22, 2025
Heat dome in photos: Life-threatening heat hits dozens of states
15:07 , Julia Musto
Is it heat exhaustion or heat stroke? Symptoms to look out for
15:12 , Julia MustoStay safe during a heat wave!
— NJOEM🇺🇸 (@ReadyNJ) June 21, 2025
• Stay in A/C
• Drink water
• NEVER leave kids/pets in cars
• Know signs of heat illness
• Check on neighbors
Cooling Center Info📞 Dial 211 | 📱 Text ZIP to 898211 | 🌐 https://t.co/YRlVm6zV3z#ReadyNJ #HeatSafety #PetSafety pic.twitter.com/Rk5y2NFN3v
But, what is a heat dome? Here's what to know
15:15 , Julia Musto
Temperatures across the Midwest and East Coast will hit dangerous levels next week
A heat dome occurs when a large area of high pressure in the upper atmosphere acts as a reservoir that traps heat and humidity, Ricky Castro, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Illinois, told The Associated Press.
Warm surface air beneath a heat dome can linger for several days or even weeks, threatening human health.
Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the U.S.
How to stay cool: Here's what the experts say
15:16 , Julia Musto
Air quality concern for much of the eastern U.S.
15:25 , Julia MustoAir quality was shown to be a moderate level across dozens of states, according to IQAir.
An advisory was issued for ozone in New York. Ozone was also a concern in Philadelphia.
There is an Air Quality Health Advisory for ozone today, June 23, for NYC.
— New York City 311 (@nyc311) June 23, 2025
🔷Limit time outdoors and/or take frequent breaks from the outdoors
🔷Avoid intense and prolonged activities (children with asthma are especially sensitive)
🔷Be alert for symptoms
🔷Monitor conditions https://t.co/I7vwJezaxJ
BREAKING: Today, June 23, 2025, has been declared a CODE ORANGE Ozone Action Day in Philadelphia. Protect your health during Air Quality Action Days by limiting strenuous outdoor activities.
— Philadelphia Public Health (@PHLPublicHealth) June 23, 2025
Learn more: https://t.co/gnG5OfgoY7 pic.twitter.com/kN3LQjl2bv
The Big Apple opens cooling centers
15:30 , Julia MustoThe @MuseumofCityNY is open as a Cooling Center during this Extreme Heat Warning. When temperatures soar, a few NYC museums & cultural institutions step up as part of emergency response. These trusted spaces offer air conditioning, safety, and community access, especially for… https://t.co/tSEvv33t5Z
— NYC Emergency Management (@nycemergencymgt) June 23, 2025
Do solar panels perform better in a heat wave?
15:36 , Julia Musto
Why do roads buckle when temperatures climb?
15:47 , Julia Musto"A pavement blow-up occurs when the roadway surface expands at a crack or joint where moisture has seeped in,” the Nebraska Department of Roads states on their website.
"That crack weakens the pavement and the heat causes the pavement to buckle and warp. This usually occurs on very hot afternoons, as the maximum temperature for the day is reached, typically during afternoons with 90-degree or hotter temperatures."
“Hot temperatures will cause pavement to expand, and this can eventually cause it to crack,” West York Paving explains. “Pavement cracks would allow water to seep inside and can erode the subsurface layers. Air gaps can form as a result, and if weight is applied to the top layer, the asphalt will sag, and a depression or divot will appear.”
A passing vehicle can count as that weight.
In the early hours of the morning, NYC 'feels like' temperatures were already hot
15:50 , Julia MustoAt John F. Kennedy International Airport, the “feels like” temperatures at 8 a.m. was 101 degrees.
In Central Park, it wasn’t much better, at 95 degrees.
It's going to be cooler in Florida than cities from the Northeast to the Carolinas
15:52 , Julia MustoPotential record-breaking heat wave descends on NYC, mayoral primary voting could be affected
15:59 , Julia MustoPrimary Day in New York is on Tuesday, which is expected to be the hottest day of the potentially record-breaking heat wave.
The Board of Elections said it would prioritize aiding poll sites without air conditioning, distributing fans and ensuring water is available.
— NYC Board of Elections (@BOENYC) June 19, 2025
Utility Con Edison says it's worked outing to restore NYC power after heat-related outages
16:03 , Julia MustoPower has been restored to over 1,600 customers in Southeast Queens. We're working to restore the remaining 6,200 affected by the heat wave. Voltage in the area has been reduced by 8% to support repairs, which we're completing as quickly as possible. https://t.co/DedBwdKLQn pic.twitter.com/fjIPfYJitw
— Con Edison (@ConEdison) June 23, 2025
Heat is America's top killer
16:16 , Julia Musto
Heat deaths have been rising for decades in the U.S.
Last year, extreme heat was responsible for dozens of deaths in just a week, according to The Washington Post.
Heat is the top weather-related killer, according to the National Weather Service.
“Extreme heat and humidity is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year,” it says.
Most of those deaths last year were in the West.
More than 40,000 customers left without power in New York, Pennsylvania
16:22 , Julia MustoMore than 40,000 customers were without power late Monday morning in New York and Pennsylvania, according to PowerOutage.US.
More than 6,200 were out in Queens and WGAL reported some 2,600 customers were affected in Adams County.
Here's how to stay safe in extreme heat
16:28 , Julia MustoWe're in for another hot day, NYC!
— nychealthy (@nycHealthy) June 23, 2025
Follow these tips to stay safe and remember to check on family, friends and neighbors to make sure they are in a cool, air conditioned place: https://t.co/QafBhKVC2z pic.twitter.com/MWMVxrPRuf
Heat stroke signs and symptoms – and how to avoid it during a heat wave
16:33 , Julia Musto
Heat stroke signs and symptoms – and how to avoid it during a heatwave
Drowning deaths, water accidents reported following hot weekend weather
16:43 , Julia MustoIn New York, an Ohio swimmer identified as Pete Pizzulo was reported to have died after drowning in a lake over the weekend, according to WFMJ.
In South Carolina, a woman was killed after a possible boating injury in Little River, WPDE said. She was not identified.
Rescue crews in Chicago responded to at least a dozen water rescues and drownings along the lakefront, according to CBS News.
Research has shown that the risk of drowning increases in heat waves.
Photos: Chicagoans flock to water during unrelenting heat
16:52 , Julia Musto
Here's where to expect record heat
17:04 , Julia MustoThough record high temperatures are expected in the coming days, the duration of the heat as demonstrated by the numerous record warm morning lows will make this period especially oppressive. Couple this with the fact that this is the first major heat wave of the year – when our… pic.twitter.com/2UfoRdvgFs
— National Weather Service (@NWS) June 20, 2025
Michigan smashes weekend record highs
17:30 , Julia MustoWe have been in #RareAir for northern Michigan! Here are some stats regarding temps for June 22nd, 2025.
— NWS Gaylord (@NWSGaylord) June 23, 2025
Image 1) Summary of daily record highs broken
Image 2) Summary of record high daily minimum temperatures observed
Image 3) Highs elsewhere across northern Michigan.#MIwx pic.twitter.com/8Cqdyd4zIa
Indiana mother reportedly arrested for allegedly leaving child outside during heat advisory
17:34 , Julia MustoAn Indiana mother was reportedly arrested for allegedly leaving her child outside all day amid sweltering conditions.
Citing the Evansville Police Department, the child had been seen outside since 7 a.m., WFIE/Gray News said.
NYC hasn't seen this level of heat this soon in 156 years
18:00 , Julia MustoHot facts...NYC has not seen this level of heat, this early in it's 156 years of record keeping pic.twitter.com/Wv6KZ2FhRQ
— John Davitt (@johndavittontv) June 23, 2025
Washington Monument closes amid high DC heat
18:30 , Julia MustoThe Washington Monument has been closed for hours, according to NBC 4.
Anyone who had a ticket before 10 a.m. was allowed in.
The National Park Service encouraged visitors to come during evening hours.
When the sun goes down, so do the temperatures, making evening a great time to take a stroll on the National Mall. After sunset, the crowds thin & the iconic stone structures glow in the spotlights against the dark night sky. Each mesmerizing scene is a reason for another visit. pic.twitter.com/EKqwNtoCJa
— National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) June 23, 2025
Feels like temperature observed in Ticonderoga sets record at 113.7 degrees
18:30 , Julia MustoAs of 1PM, the day's first 110F degree feels-like temperature has been observed. Numerous other stations are between 100-110F.
— NY State Weather Risk Communication Center (@NYSWRCC) June 23, 2025
In fact, the @nysmesonet's Ticonderoga station recorded a brand new all-time record high feels-like temperature of 113.7F just a few minutes ago! 🥵 pic.twitter.com/St18a26wQd
AC costs are expected to skyrocket this year. But, running it could come with some health risks
18:32 , Julia Musto
Power outages spike to more than 60,000 customers after Ohio outages
18:33 , Julia MustoThousands were left without power in Ohio following power outages.
The cause remained unknown, but was expected to be restored shortly, according to News 5 Cleveland.
There are now some 60,000 customers without power amid sweltering conditions, tracker PowerOutage.US shows.
Climate change is making heat waves more frequent and severe
18:35 , Julia Musto
Heat waves are happening more frequently across the U.S. thanks to human-caused climate change.
They are also more intense than they used to be.
With every increase in global warming, climate extremes become more extreme, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
In 50 major U.S. cities from coast to coast, the EPA says the average heat wave season is months longer than it was in the 1960s.
Photos capture New Yorkers laboring under high heat
18:35 , Julia Musto
