The United States is gripped by a severe heatwave affecting over 100 million people, with the National Weather Service issuing heat alerts and severe thunderstorm warnings across the country. Record-breaking temperatures have been reported on the East Coast, with cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. experiencing extreme heat. The heat dome, a high-pressure system trapping hot air, is expected to continue into July, bringing dangerous temperatures to both the East and West Coasts. Meanwhile, the Midwest is coping with catastrophic flooding, with towns in Iowa submerged and evacuations underway. The National Weather Service has also forecasted the potential for a tropical system in the Gulf of Mexico, which could bring heavy rainfall and trigger new flood warnings in South Texas. As the heatwave persists, officials are urging residents to take precautions against heat stress, especially those without reliable air conditioning. The severe weather conditions, including the heatwave and flooding, are being exacerbated by climate change, leading to more frequent and intense weather events across the Northern Hemisphere.
Key points
- The US is in the grip of a severe heatwave, with over 100 million people under heat warnings as temperatures soar.
- The Midwest is facing catastrophic flooding, leading to evacuations and states of emergency.
- A potential tropical system in the Gulf of Mexico threatens to exacerbate the extreme weather conditions.
- Climate change is cited as a major factor in the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
