A heat dome that struck the U.S. Plains on Friday and is predicted to spread across most of the nation in the coming days is causing high temperatures that major cities across the United States are bracing for. The heat dome triggers extreme temperatures across US cities, with parts of the Midwest, including Chicago, expected to see potentially hazardous conditions this weekend, reaching 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 Celsius) or higher, according to the National Weather Service. By early next week, similar temperatures are forecast for the Ohio Valley and much of the East Coast. Even during the night, a heat dome, a ridge of high-pressure air in the upper atmosphere, stalls and traps hot air while blocking cooler air from moving in.

Cities in Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas were already under heat advisories on Friday. By 3 p.m., Denver, Colorado, was expected to hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Some of the highest temperatures were forecast near the Nebraska-Kansas border, with readings of 105 degrees and above anticipated in cities such as McCook, Nebraska, and St. Francis and Oberlin, Kansas.

Emergency Measures in Major US Cities

Chicago began opening cooling centers nationwide in response to the intensifying heat threat. At a press conference on Friday, Mayor Brandon Johnson said municipal employees were conducting outreach to homeless individuals living in encampments, encouraging them to take shelter in cooling facilities. Referring to the upcoming 30th anniversary of a deadly heat wave that killed 700 residents, Johnson stressed that Chicago is particularly aware of the dangers posed by extreme weather.

New York City took similar action. Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to open an extensive cooling center network and urged residents to locate the nearest one. The city administration also worked to distribute heat safety information to vulnerable populations.

Also Read: Climate Change Drives Farmer Suicides In India: Over 3,000 Cases In Two Years Linked To Debt And Crop Failure

Health Hazards and Climate Context

The heat dome triggers extreme temperatures across US cities, presenting serious health risks. Heat exhaustion, marked by dizziness, thirst, headaches, and shaking, is typically manageable if treated within 30 minutes. However, heatstroke is a medical emergency when body temperature exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.6 Celsius). It may cause rapid breathing, confusion, seizures, or nausea and can lead to lasting organ damage or death.

Although individual heatwaves are difficult to attribute directly to human-driven climate change, forecasters agree that global warming is increasing the frequency and intensity.

Also Read: Rising Ocean Temperatures Disrupt Submarine Warfare, Experts Warn