A monster heat dome is intensifying as it’s set to send temperatures into the triple digits for about 80 million Americans across 20 states.
Temperatures hit sweltering highs across much of the central United States on Saturday as forecasters warned that dangerously hot weather from Dallas to North Dakota would push into next week.
A heat dome, where atmospheric conditions trap heat, was forecast to create blistering temperatures this weekend, and the advisories have been extended through the next few days.
The hottest conditions are expected through Monday, with temperatures climbing 10 to 20F above historical averages.
Many people affected by the heatwave took to X to express their disdain toward the sweltering conditions.
‘We’re getting microwaved good now,’ one user from Louisiana posted.
Another replied: ‘It’s absolutely awful! We’re finally getting a break today…thank goodness it’s only 75F. Fruit and vegetables bursting open all over the garden… heat dome plus heavy rain.’
‘It’s hotter than a buttered biscuit here. 97F with heat index at 109F,’ another person posted.
A monster heat dome is set to engulf a vast swath of the US, sending temperatures into the triple digits for days
Pedestrians attempt to stay cool during extreme heat in New York City’s Times Square on July 3. 2026
Forecasters warned that even overnight temperatures will remain uncomfortably high, allowing the heat stress to build.
The oppressive midsummer weather was forecast to affect a huge stretch of the country, from the desert Southwest to the Gulf Coast and reaching up into the Midwest and Great Plains.
Some records around the Denver area could be broken and temperatures were expected to be 10F to 15F above normal.
‘It looks like it is going to be pretty much stationary in that position as we go through the week,’ said Bob Oravec, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Places under a National Weather Service extreme heat warning included western Nebraska, where temperatures Saturday and Sunday were forecast to reach 108F.
The region’s heat was forecast to continue through the week, with temperatures topping 100F even in normally moderate areas of Montana and Wyoming.
Las Vegas was also expected to see near record-breaking highs. On Saturday, when temperatures reached around 114F in the valley, HVAC repair technician Kristian ‘Flaco’ Santos spent hours outside fixing air conditioning units.
The extreme heat is set to last until Monday, where temperatures will start to cool down
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Joe Lundberg said: ‘The core of the brutal heat will gradually shift out of Montana and the Dakotas through Sunday and head farther south and east as we go into next week
A man attempts to rest in extremely humid weather in New York City. Doctors tell the Daily Mail high humidity can cause heat-related illnesses to develop faster (Stock Image)
His job involves climbing onto homeowners’ roofs or in their attics, where temperatures can be 15 degrees warmer.
‘It is brutal,’ Santos said, adding that not everyone can work in the heat. ‘I’m not Superman, but I do, I do take care of myself when I’m in the heat.’
There might be some relief in the central US toward next weekend, but even that could be temporary, Oravec said.
Some areas will be spared. The Mid-Atlantic and Northeast should avoid the extreme heat, as will much of the Pacific Northwest.
