US Weather Service Says Heat Dome Will Hit Much of the US Next Week

‘This level of heat can be dangerous to anyone without effective cooling,’ says the NWS.

A map released by the National Weather Service shows the heat forecast for the United States for June 23, 2025. NWS

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast that significant parts of the Midwest and East Coast will see high temperatures during a heat wave starting this weekend and lasting into early next week.

The heat wave will expand across the West Coast and Central Plains on Thursday until Friday, possibly breaking daily high temperature records. The heat will then move over the Midwest and farther toward the East Coast this weekend until next week, the NWS said on its website Thursday.

“Numerous daily record highs and warm lows are anticipated Sunday into early next week. This level of heat can be dangerous to anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration, especially those engaging in lengthy outdoor activities,” the NWS said in a June 18 statement on social media.

According to the NWS Weather Prediction Center, daytime temperatures will be in the 90s Fahrenheit, and overnight temperatures will only drop to the mid-70s F from the Great Lakes to the East Coast during the heat wave that’s expected to last into next week.

The heat is expected to be widespread into next week. On Friday, Denver could reach 100 degrees F, according to the weather service. Chicago temperatures could reach 96 degrees on Sunday. On Tuesday, Washington could see a high of 99 degrees, and New York’s Central Park could reach 96 degrees.

“Extreme” heat warnings were issued for parts of the Midwest, including Chicago and Milwaukee, between Friday and Sunday. For Monday and Tuesday, similar warnings were issued for New York City, Washington, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and others.

As of Thursday, about 26.6 million people were in areas under heat alerts and advisories, said the Heat.gov website.

Heat Stroke and Exhaustion Signs

Health officials have said high temperatures can pose the risk of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Those who are at risk include infants, younger children, older adults, people with mental health problems, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and poor blood circulation.

Symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher; red, hot, dry, or damp skin; a rapid and strong pulse; nausea, confusion; dizziness; headache, or a loss of consciousness, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health agencies.

People suffering from heat stroke should receive immediate medical attention, and 911 should be called, authorities say.

If someone appears to be suffering from signs of heat stroke, described as a life-threatening condition, they should be cooled down by any means necessary before medical attention is administered. Officials recommend using a garden hose and cool cloths, such as towels, and that the person be moved to a colder place.

People suffering from heat exhaustion will have cold, pale, and clammy skin; sweating profusely; have a weak and fast pulse; muscle cramps; dizziness; headache; vomiting; nausea; or weakness or tiredness, authorities say. As with people suffering from heat stroke, individuals showing signs of heat exhaustion should go to a cool place, have loose clothing, sip water, and, if possible, take a cool bath.