Forecasters Warn of Record-Breaking Summer Heat Across the US

Scientists and weather experts are warning that this summer could be one of the hottest ever recorded in the United States. More than 100 million Americans may face a dangerous heatwave during the week leading up to the Fourth of July holiday. Temperatures near Washington, D.C., and New York City could reach all-time highs, with heat indexes topping 115°F (46°C). The extreme heat is being made worse by a weather pattern called El Niño and a severe drought affecting 45 states.

The first six months of this year were already the hottest ever recorded across parts of eight western states. That record-setting warmth came with serious consequences, including very little snow in the mountains during winter. Low snowpack — the amount of snow that builds up in mountains — is a key warning sign for wildfires. When there is less snow to melt and water the land in spring, forests dry out and catch fire more easily.

Wildfires have already broken out in Colorado and other western states. Colorado Governor Jared Polis said, 'Our communities are feeling the firsthand impacts of severe drought and imminent fire danger.' Local officials have spent months preparing for what they expect to be a very bad fire season. They have gathered extra equipment and are working to get more help from the US Wildland Fire Service.

El Niño is a natural weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean that releases stored heat and changes weather around the world. This year's El Niño could be one of the strongest ever recorded, according to NOAA. Scientists expect it to push global temperatures to new record highs over the next 12 to 18 months. The last time droughts this severe hit the US was in 1988 and 2012, which led to massive wildfires and smoky skies.

Water levels in the Colorado River are dropping to record lows, forcing new rules on how much water Nevada and Arizona can use. Later in the summer, levels could fall so low that major dams — including Hoover Dam — may not be able to produce electricity. That would be a serious problem for millions of people in the Southwest. Meanwhile, wildfire smoke is already drifting toward the Midwest and East Coast, worsening air quality for much of the country.

Extreme heat is the deadliest type of weather in the US in a typical year, and this summer the risk is even greater. More than a million international visitors are in the country for the FIFA World Cup, and this weekend's matches could be the hottest ever played. For the first time, FIFA has added cooling breaks during matches to protect players and fans. Children, elderly people, and visitors not used to the heat are at the greatest risk.

Scientists say that human-caused climate change is making dangerous heat events more likely and more severe. A recent study found that Europe's deadly heatwave would have been 'virtually impossible' without climate change. Weather experts say early warnings are critical so communities can prepare before disaster strikes. As climatologist Guillaume Mauger said, 'This is why early warnings are so valuable.'