Heat dome expected to bring record temperatures across the US

Key Points:

• The National Weather Service predicts over 90 U.S. temperature records will be tied or broken this week, mostly overnight heat records, with nighttime temperatures remaining dangerously high in many regions.
• Health experts warn that elevated overnight temperatures are more hazardous than daytime heat because the body cannot cool down and recover, increasing risks of heatstroke and heart strain, especially for vulnerable populations.
• High nighttime heat has already contributed to heat-related deaths in New Jersey and wildfires in the West, with temperatures not expected to drop below 80°F (27°C) in several southern cities and remaining above 70°F (21°C) in parts of the Midwest and Northeast.
• Early heat illness signs include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, and headaches, and experts emphasize the importance of proactive cooling measures, checking on at-risk individuals, and finding relief through air conditioning or alternative cooling methods.
• For those without air conditioning, recommended strategies include visiting public cooling places like libraries or malls, using fans with water spray, soaking clothes, and staying hydrated to mitigate heat risks.