Last updated October 15, 2021
-

Central US Heat Wave July 2016

Central Plains

Dangerously hot conditions hit Minnesota on Wednesday, July 20, with temperatures in the 90s and heat indices, that is how hot it feels, reaching well into the 100s. On Thursday through Monday, the National Weather Service expanded its excessive heat watch to include areas across the US, with widespread heat indices hitting the 100 to 115°F range and high nighttime temperatures. The NWS anticipated it would be "one of the worst heat waves in the last few decades."

In total, eight heat-related deaths have been reported, and 122 million Americans in 26 states were under heat alerts, warning and advisories on Friday, July 22.

As the climate warms, the most extreme heat events are becoming dramatically more frequent. Scientists have also linked some of the most extreme heat events in the US and beyond to high-intensity heat domes that lock-in hot and often dry conditions.

Get the details
Heat Wave