Just when you thought this summer couldn’t get any hotter, the weather is cranking things up even more.
A powerful bulge in the jet stream is forming high above the U.S., and it’s about to lock in an intense heat dome that will send temperatures soaring across a huge portion of the country.
Millions Already Under Heat Alerts from the Midwest to the South
Around 85 million Americans—from the Dakotas all the way down to Texas, and stretching east from the Carolinas to Florida—are already under heat warnings.
And this is just the beginning. The coming days will bring even higher temperatures, pushing past the 100-degree mark in many areas.
Cities like Dallas and Kansas City are bracing for heat indexes well over 100°F.
These urban areas are also dealing with dry conditions, with meteorologists warning that droughts are likely to worsen due to the lack of rain.
Meteorologists Warn This Heat Wave Could Stick Around
AccuWeather’s senior meteorologist, Chad Merrill, explained that this isn’t just a quick heat snap—it’s shaping up to be a prolonged and intense stretch.
“This has the look of a long-lasting heat wave with limited rainfall,” he said, adding that central Plains states like Kansas and Nebraska will see worsening droughts by mid-August.
The heat dome itself could stay put until the final weekend of July, especially across the South and Plains, before slowly shifting toward the Rocky Mountains.
What Exactly Is a Heat Dome Anyway?
A heat dome is basically a high-pressure system in the atmosphere that traps warm air beneath it.
That trapped air sinks, compresses, and heats up—leading to dangerously high temperatures.
When this system lingers, it can create brutal heat waves that last for days or even weeks.
Cooler Northeast Won’t Stay That Way for Long
While the South bakes under scorching heat, the Northeast has been enjoying a bit of relief with cooler temps and low humidity.
But don’t get too comfortable—forecasters say a piece of the heat dome will start moving eastward soon.
Places like Washington, D.C., which is currently sitting in the 50s and 60s, could climb to nearly 100°F after July 25.
The same goes for Philadelphia and New York City, which are both expected to feel the heat by the end of the month.
A Sudden Temperature Spike Is Headed for the Great Lakes
This Thursday and Friday, cities like Detroit will feel the shift, with temperatures jumping into the 90s and above.
Chad Merrill described this upcoming surge as a “quick whiplash” for the region.
Although the heat wave is going to be intense, Merrill added that it shouldn’t last quite as long as the heat wave seen in late June.
Relief May Be on the Way With a Cool Front and Thunderstorms
Some good news? A cold front is expected to roll in over the weekend, offering a brief break from the extreme heat.
Unlike last month, this front will sweep in from the northeast and north, rather than from the west.
But with hot, sticky air already in place, this shift could trigger some serious thunderstorms.
Meteorologists expect these storms to be quite severe, thanks to the clash between drier, cooler air and the thick humidity that’s been building up.
The Jet Stream Is Behind It All
So, what’s fueling all this chaotic weather? It comes down to the jet stream—a narrow band of strong winds high in the atmosphere, about 30,000 feet above the surface.
During the summer, the jet stream tends to slow down, which affects both daily weather patterns and long-term forecasts.
Right now, the jet stream’s unusual bulge is playing a key role in forming and maintaining the heat dome blanketing the country.
More Updates to Come as the Heat Intensifies
This story is still developing as forecasters track how the heat dome will evolve over the next week.
For now, experts are urging people across the affected regions to stay cool, stay hydrated, and check in on vulnerable family members and neighbors.
Stay tuned for updates as this heat wave continues to expand.