Triple-digit heat looms for Central US as July 4 weekend nears

Key Points:

• A developing heat dome is expected to bring dangerously high temperatures and high humidity to the central U.S. and parts of the East through the Fourth of July weekend, with some areas experiencing highs near or above 100 degrees.
• Urban areas may see overnight lows remain above 80 degrees due to retained heat, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially where air conditioning is unavailable.
• Cities such as Chicago, St. Louis, and Kansas City will face prolonged heat waves with highs in the 90s, while Eastern cities including Philadelphia, Washington, DC, New York City, and Newark may experience triple-digit temperatures combined with high humidity.
• Thunderstorms may provide brief relief along the heat dome's edges, but critical wildfire conditions persist in the Southwest, particularly in the Four Corners region, with strong winds exacerbating fire behavior and air quality issues.
• A jet stream shift over the holiday weekend is expected to push the heat dome back to the Plains, allowing cooler air to reach the Eastern U.S. after several days of intense heat.