Starting Monday, most of the U.S. territory will see a “dangerous” temperature increase. The Midwest and Northeast are under a “heat wave” warning, the National Weather Service (NWS) has reported announced.
The most affected states are Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and Northeastern Indiana, where the heat wave will affect residents today through Friday evening. Temperatures are expected to exceed 38 degrees Celsius.
But that is not everything. A “heat dome” will spread eastward throughout the week, causing temperatures to skyrocket in New York, Washington DC and Boston.
Cities like Montpelier, Syracuse, Pittsburgh and New York have not experienced such a strong heat wave in almost 30 years.
“The last time we saw heat in Pittsburgh like we expect next week was 30 years ago, when it reached 95°F or warmer for six consecutive days (June 15-20, 1994),” said Pittsburgh Weather Service on X.
Detroit is expected to experience its worst heat wave in 20 years said The Associated Press reported this on Monday.
Temperatures will rise in some areas of eastern New York and western New England 107F.
If you’re heading to Next week in Chicago you will experience temperatures between 95F and 105F.
Those expecting lighting at night may need to make other plans.
“Warm nighttime temperatures that only dip into the mid-70s will provide little to no relief, especially for those without adequate or reliable cooling.” the weather forecast center said.
Bad news for flights
More bad news. These heat waves can do that too affect your travel plans to the above areas because of the way planes fly. This is how.
Warm air is thinner than cooler air. Airplanes therefore experience less thrust when taking off. Consequently, they have to go faster and need a longer runway to reach the necessary speed.
To compensate for the lack of thrust, airlines also have to lose fuel, bags or passengers.
‘The only way to enable take-off on shorter runways is to reduce the weight of the aircraft’ explained Bob Thomas, an assistant professor of aeronautical sciences at Embry-Riddle.
Airports where your flight may be canceled this heat wave season include Denver, LaGuardia, Phoenix, Reagan National and others.
What to do during the heat wave?
There are three important things you need to do.
If you fly to one of the cities mentioned, take flights early in the morning to avoid cancellations.
The oven-like conditions increase the risk of heat-related illness. So make sure you and others around you stay hydrated and don’t stay outside for long periods of time. If that’s not possible, look for “cooling centers” to escape the heat.
Finally, check the neighbors, especially those who are old or don’t have air conditioning.
Residents should do that “Check on elderly neighbors and make a plan if the heat becomes too much,” said both Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the NWS.
