Millions of Americans were urged to stay indoors Friday as hot and humid conditions were expected to blanket large portions of the U.S.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued heat advisories across some 13 states, while an extreme heat warning was in effect for southern Arizona.
Why It Matters
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says extreme heat can trigger heat-related illnesses, particularly among seniors, small children, and people with chronic health issues.
Warning signs include muscle cramps, profuse sweating, lightheadedness, and nausea. The agency reports that over 700 people in the U.S. die from extreme heat each year.
Hotter conditions can also increase ground-level ozone, compounding health concerns.
Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images
What To Know
The widespread warnings covered a significant swath of the country, with heat advisories in effect for parts of the following states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Portions of southeast Ohio, and central, northern, southern, and western West Virginia were expected to see heat index values up to 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heat index values reflect how hot it feels to the human body when both humidity and air temperature are taken into account.
Peak index values up to near 105 were possible for southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri, according to the NWS.
Parts of Tennessee and Alabama faced conditions as high as 107 degrees, while central, eastern, north central, and southeast Arkansas could see heat index values up to 109, the agency said.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the NWS advised.
Meanwhile, Arizona residents in counties including Pima and Pinal are being warned of “dangerously hot conditions” next week. The Tucson office of the NWS said the heat risk increases significantly during such events, urging people to plan activities during cooler parts of the day and remain hydrated.
What People Are Saying
NWS Phoenix, Arizona said on X, Thursday: “The warmup continues through the rest of the week and into the weekend as temps reach back towards near and above normal levels. A few spots will get close to 110°F as early as tomorrow, with 110°F-115°F forecasted for most of the lower deserts by next Monday.”
NWS Little Rock, Arkansas said on X, Friday: “Another hot day is expected. Scattered afternoon/early evening showers & storms could cool temps down. Best chances for rainfall today will be over northwest half of the state. Better rain chances for the remainder of the state will come over the weekend into next week.”
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the latest heat advisories were in effect until Friday evening.
Meanwhile, the extreme heat warning for Arizona was in effect for Monday morning through Monday evening.