A record-breaking heat dome continues to smother large swaths of the Southeastern and Midwestern United States, triggering Level 4 Extreme HeatRisk alerts for over 30 million people from July 27 to 31, 2025, with the oppressive heat likely to stretch into early August.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that this heat wave—marked by dangerous temperatures, intense humidity, and little overnight relief—is affecting a vast area from Florida to Minnesota. As of July 25, nearly 150 million people were exposed to major or extreme heat risk across the eastern U.S.
“Feels-like” temperatures are reaching into the 90s and 100s°F (32–43°C) across much of the country. In St. Louis, Missouri, which has been under extreme heat all week, heat index values may peak at 114°F (45.5°C) over the weekend.
In South Carolina and North Carolina, cities like Myrtle Beach, Wilmington, and Raleigh face extreme heat warnings with feels-like temperatures between 113–115°F (45–46°C).
Heat advisories are also in place for Florida to Virginia, including Tampa, Savannah, and Richmond; Texas to West Virginia, covering Dallas, Oklahoma City, Memphis, Cincinnati, and Charleston; and the Upper Midwest, including Pierre, Bismarck, and Duluth.
The extreme heat wave is expanding into the Midwest, prompting watches in Omaha, Sioux Falls, Des Moines, Minneapolis, and Duluth. Temperatures in these regions are expected to feel well into the 90s and 100s°F, especially on Sunday, with no overnight cooling.
Level 4 Extreme HeatRisk, the highest possible classification, is in effect for much of the Southeast through Thursday, indicating rare and/or long-duration heat with no overnight relief—dangerous even for healthy individuals.
According to the Weather Prediction Center, heat index values may exceed 49°C (120°F), especially in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida, with overnight lows hovering around 26°C (79°F).
Meteorologists warn this heat wave is especially dangerous due to its persistence and geographic scope. Cities like Columbia, SC, and Tallahassee, FL, may approach or exceed historic temperature records.
While the East bakes, the West faces fire risks. Red flag warnings have been issued for parts of Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. Gusty winds and dry conditions threaten to worsen existing wildfires—like the Deer Creek Fire, which has already consumed over 17,000 acres and remains only 77% contained as of Saturday.
The Northeast will experience a break, with cooler and drier air thanks to a cold front that moved through Friday, providing temporary relief from the widespread heat elsewhere.
Forecasters expect gradual cooling beginning August 2, but until then, authorities urge residents to: avoid outdoor activities during peak heat, stay hydrated, check on vulnerable individuals, and use cooling centers if available.
