Intense Heatwave Batters US Before Fourth of July Holiday

Canada is also experiencing extreme heat this week, with temperatures potentially reaching 99°F in Ontario.

Heat warnings extend across much of Quebec, including Montreal and Quebec City.

High humidity will exacerbate the effects, pushing heat index values to 115°F in the coming days. The heat index represents how temperature feels when combined with humidity.

A persistent high-pressure system, or “heat dome,” is driving the extreme conditions across the central and eastern US.

Dry soil in the coastal Northeast, due to this year’s drought, is amplifying temperatures by reducing evaporation and increasing ground-level heat retention.

Human-induced climate change has intensified heatwaves in frequency, severity, and duration. Global warming of 1.1°C since the industrial era, with projected continued temperature increases, underscores the urgency of emissions reductions.

Temperatures in the Northeast will decrease slightly on July 4, though severe thunderstorms may occur. The drop will be more pronounced over Sunday and Monday as cooler air from the north moves southward, though temperatures will remain above average.

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