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Over 170 million people across the South and East are under heat alerts as a massive heat dome brings sweltering temperatures to the region. The National Weather Service warns that heat indices could reach up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, posing significant health risks.
The heat dome, a high-pressure system trapping warm air, has shifted to the Southeast, causing temperatures to soar. On Sunday (July 27), Tampa, Florida, experienced a record-breaking 100 degrees, the highest since recordkeeping began in 1890. The extreme heat is expected to persist through the week, affecting states from Florida to Virginia.
The oppressive heat is coupled with severe weather threats in other parts of the country. A derecho is forecasted to sweep across the northern Plains, bringing wind gusts over 75 mph, potential tornadoes, and large hail.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat, and check on vulnerable individuals. Cooling centers are being set up in many communities to provide relief from the heat.
The heat wave is part of a broader trend of increasing temperatures and extreme weather events, raising concerns about climate change and its impact on public health and safety.