Heating Up

Millions of people in the United States are feeling the effects of extreme heat this week. That’s according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service (NWS). In some states, the temperature may feel as high as 120°F.

Heat-related illness can cause dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, and even fainting. The NWS uses a tool called HeatRisk to determine how many people are at risk of getting sick from the high temperatures. On July 28, 16 million people were at “extreme risk.” By July 29, that number still hovered at around 14 million. Millions more were at “major” or “moderate” risk.

The scorching temperatures are the result of a heat dome. Heat domes occur when large areas of high-pressure air get stuck in place. This traps heat, holding it in one area. The current heat dome is record-breaking: On July 27, the temperature in Tampa, Florida, hit triple digits Fahrenheit for the first time since monitoring began in the 1890s. That’s according to the Tampa Bay Times. The heat even caused flight delays.

The heat dome is expected to linger for several more days. In the meantime, the NWS is advising people to keep safe. “Stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable individuals,” the government agency said on social media on July 26.