The massive heat wave broke heat records in 14 states, including Arizona and California, reaching 112 degrees Fahrenheit in some places. It is now creeping eastward, according to the National Weather Service.
The heat wave continues its journey through the Midwestern United States and is expected to affect anywhere from one to one-third of the 48 states, National Weather Service meteorologist Gregg Gallina told The Associated Press. The hottest temperatures on record today are in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas — what the National Weather Service refers to as the Southern Rockies region. But the hot air continues.
The reason these high temperatures persist is the “heat dome” phenomenon, where high pressure prevents hot air from rising, trapping it in a bubble above the region. As the pressure dome moves, so does the hot air — and right now, it’s heading east.
The states that will be blocked by the heat in the coming days include those in the Southern and Central Plains states. This means that residents of Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska can expect to sweat as the heat envelops them on its journey eastward.
What does dome heat mean for climate change and our health
According to Climate Central, the US has experienced increasing rates of blackouts over the past 20 years, largely due to climate-related issues and an aging power grid.
As of August 2025, the US Environmental Protection Agency says heat is the leading cause of weather-related death in the US. The World Health Organization reports that between 2000 and 2019, approximately 489,000 people die each year from heatstroke.
Fortunately, humidity levels are not as high during the heat of summer. As humidity can contribute to dehydrationphysical difficulties and breathing difficulties, the low humidity makes this temperature dome somewhat less dangerous for workers in the affected areas.
The World Weather Attribution, an initiative created by global climate change researchers and climate scientists, has determined that warming is “almost impossible without human-caused climate change.”
In a world where weather events like this are no longer a possibility, you’ll want to prepare for future heat waves properly. Here’s how to stay safe during the heat.
It may be too late to install a heat pump in this current hot weather event, but this energy efficient HVAC addition can save you a pretty penny and make your home even more comfortable during the upcoming heat waves.
How to prepare a heat dome before it arrives in your region
There is nothing you can do to beat the heat outside, except to follow best practices for heat safety. You’ll just need to stay hydrated, wear breathable, light-colored clothing and wait out the potentially dangerous heat, which is expected to dissipate by the end of next week when April begins. But you can do things to reduce the shutters before the heat reaches your home.
Even if you don’t have much time to prepare, a a few small things it can make your home safer (and more comfortable). Cooling towels, portable fans and countertop ice makers a must-have during a heat wave, especially if you’re not looking to turn down the thermostat and spend a pretty penny.
Heat waves are also expensive because of the small amount of energy used — it’s expensive to stay cool. Depending on your lifestyle, however, you may want to invest heat pump installation. These HVAC system additions are extremely energy efficientwhich means you can keep more money in your pocket while beating the heat.
During a heat wave, when everyone has their AC running, there’s also the chance of a premature brownout (a temporary drop in voltage, causing the lights to dim) or even a blackout (total loss of power). It’s common to feel helpless during a power outage, but you can get ahead of the curve by being prepared black summer kit with portable chargers and other light sources before the heat wave hits.
Even if a historic heat wave doesn’t hit your home, these tips will help you prepare as the summer season hits the US in a few months.
