A massive heat dome is expanding across the central and southern United States, placing more than 100 million people under heat alerts as of July 27, 2026.
Real temperatures and heat index values have soared well into the triple digits.
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National Weather Service forecasters report that extreme heat warnings stretch from California to Mississippi and into the Midwest.
Heat index values between 105 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit are impacting major metropolitan areas, with overnight lows near 80 to 90 degrees offering little relief.
Several cities experienced record-shattering temperatures over the weekend. Rapid City, South Dakota, reached an all-time high of 112 degrees Fahrenheit.
Meteorologists warn that the stationary ridge of high pressure will keep dangerous conditions in place across Texas, the Gulf Coast, and the Plains for much of the week.
Outreach teams in affected urban centers are actively distributing supplies to vulnerable populations struggling with the prolonged humidity.
“It’s extraordinarily hot,” said Pete Miller, outreach manager for the homeless services network Threshold CoC.
“We’re seeing a lot of people who are exhausted, drained by the heat in a way that is really dangerous.
The humidity is insane. You stand outside for 30 seconds and you get drenched.
And it’s going to be like that all night.”
The extreme conditions have forced the cancellation of public events, including a horse race at Canterbury Park in Minnesota.
Zoos and recreation centers across Denver and Indianapolis have set up hydration stations and cooling areas.
