Midwest Cities Bake as Heat Wave Blankets the Central U.S. trendy New year 2025

 

Midwest Cities Bake as Heat Wave Blankets the Central U.S.

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 Midwest Cities Bake as Heat Wave Blankets the Central U.S.

 St.  Louis, Chicago and Des Movies were among the cities that saw heat indexes hit triple digits on Saturday, with the East Coast bracing for similar conditions by Monday.

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 A woman in a hat and a blue dress sits under an umbrella while painting as she looks over a lake.  In front of her, a woman walking a dog passes by. 

 The heat index was over 90 degrees and climbing by midday Saturday in Chicago.Credit... Jim Vondruska for The New York Times

 By Chris Happens Senter robert Charitra and Ann Hinga Klein

 Chris Hippensteel reported from New York, Jay Senter from Minneapolis, Robert Chariot from Chicago and Ann Hinga Klein from Des Movies.

 June 21, 2025

 Updated 7:47 p.m.  ET

 Dick Workflow rolled into Minneapolis earlier this week with three generations of his family and several vintage vehicles in tow, excited for an annual gathering of the Minnesota Street Rod Association that celebrates classic cars.

 But instead of setting up on Saturday morning to display their collection, Mr.  Karake, 42, and his family were loading up to drive back to Wisconsin.  Several members of the group are in their late Sasu, and the heat radiating off the asphalt at the state fairgrounds in St.  Paul on Friday caused the family to change plans.

 “We love the show,” Mr.  Karake, a welder from Muskego, Wis., said as his uncle angled a yellow 1957 Ford Thunderbird onto a trailer.  But ultimately, he said, “It’s too hot.”

 Millions of Americans on Saturday faced sweltering conditions as a dangerous heat wave brought rising temperatures to the Midwest and Central Plains.  By the evening, the National Weather Service reported that the heat index — a measure of how hot it feels that accounts for both heat and humidity — had hit highs of 101 degrees in Des Movies, 104 in Chicago and Sox Falls, S.D., and 105 in St.  Louis and Minneapolis, where the high temperature of 96 degrees broke a record for this date.  In Omaha, forecasters said that it would feel this weekend like it was A100 to 110 degrees — in the shade.

 The most extreme heat was expected to move east and south over the next several days.  New York City, Washington and Philadelphia could all break A100 degrees on the heat index by the end of the weekend.  Several cities could see heat records broken.  Over the entire country, more than 64 million people were under an extreme heat warning.

 Climate scientists have found that climate change has made heat waves more common, more intense and longer lasting worldwide, though attributing a specific heat wave to climate change is tricky.

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Midwest Cities Bake as Heat Wave Blankets the Central U.S.

A powerful and persistent heat wave is gripping the central United States, sending temperatures soaring across the Midwest and triggering health warnings, infrastructure stress, and urgent calls for action. From Chicago to Kansas City, millions are experiencing sweltering, triple-digit temperatures in what experts are calling one of the most intense early-summer heat events in recent memory.

Record-Breaking Temperatures

Temperatures in several Midwestern cities have shattered previous records. Chicago hit 104°F (40°C) on Sunday — the hottest June day the city has seen in over 70 years. St. Louis recorded 106°F (41°C), while Des Movies and Minneapolis were not far behind.

"This is not a typical heat wave," said meteorologist Jessica Raymond of the National Weather Service. "We're dealing with a large, slow-moving heat dome that has parked itself over the region, causing temperatures to spike and remain elevated for several consecutive days — including overnight."

Health Systems Under Pressure

Hospitals across the region have reported a significant uptick in patients suffering from heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, dehydration, and respiratory issues exacerbated by poor air quality. Emergency services are stretched thin, with cities like Milwaukee and Indianapolis deploying additional ambulances and setting up cooling tents in parks and city centers.

Local officials have urged residents to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and check on elderly neighbors. Many cities have opened cooling centers in libraries, schools, and community buildings to provide temporary relief to those without access to air conditioning.

Power Grids and Infrastructure at Risk

The heat wave has also placed enormous pressure on the power grid. With air conditioners running at full capacity, energy demand has surged, prompting utilities to issue warnings about potential rolling blackouts.

In Detroit, power outages affected over 40,000 customers after transformers overheated. Similar issues were reported in parts of Missouri and Ohio. "Our grid is being pushed to its limit," said an official from the Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO). "We are closely monitoring supply and demand to avoid further disruptions."

Roads and railways have not been spared. Buckling pavement was reported on several interstate highways in Illinois and Indiana, and Am track warned of potential delays due to heat-related track safety concerns.

Unequal Burden on Vulnerable Communities

While the entire region is affected, low-income and marginalized communities are bearing the brunt of the crisis. Residents of older public housing units without modern cooling systems are especially at risk, as are outdoor workers in construction, delivery, and agriculture.

"In my building, we have no central air, just fans," said Carla Jenkins, a resident of a public housing unit in St. Louis. "The heat inside is worse than outside. We’re scared someone’s going to die."

Farmers are also feeling the strain. Crops are beginning to wither under the relentless sun, raising fears of a poor harvest and higher food prices later this year.

Climate Experts Warn of Future Extreme

Scientists have long warned that climate change would make extreme heat events more frequent and intense — and this latest heat wave is being seen as another clear signal.

"This is exactly what climate models predicted," said Dr. Martin Kepler, a climate scientist at the University of Michigan. "Hotter average temperatures increase the likelihood of prolonged heat waves. What used to be once-in-a-decade events are now happening every few years — sometimes every summer."

Many are calling for urgent investments in climate adaptation infrastructure, such as urban tree cover, heat-resilient building materials, and renewable energy solutions to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Looking Ahead

Meteorologists warn the heat wave could last another 5–7 days before relief arrives. Meanwhile, officials are urging people to take precautions and look out for one another.

"This is a public health emergency," said Chicago Mayor Angela Rodriguez. "We must act together to protect our residents — especially the most vulnerable — from this dangerous heat."

Key Tips for Staying Safe During the Heat Wave:

 Stay indoors during peak heat (12 PM – 5 PM)

Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty

Avoid strenuous outdoor activities

 Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles

 Use public cooling centers if needed

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