[Flower in dry grass. Credit to Pixabay]

A relentless heatwave is currently sweeping across the United States, significantly impacting its climate and contributing to the increase in natural disasters throughout the country.

This oppressive heat is specifically affecting the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions.

The primary driver behind this heatwave is a meandering jet stream.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), jet streams are “relatively narrow bands of strong wind in the upper levels of the atmosphere, typically occurring around 30,000 feet.”

These jet streams have shifted northward, creating a heat dome over much of the country.

A heat dome is a high-pressure dome most commonly seen in the southeastern region of the United States.

Heat domes are very common in the summer months.

However, the heat dome that is causing this much heat is very different from the rest, as it is causing the climate to become very intense.

Numerous parts of the U.S. have reported triple-digit temperatures.

Experts from the National Weather Service indicate that some areas may reach or surpass their all-time high temperatures.

For instance, CBS News reported a 500% increase in heat-related emergencies in New York City during the week of June 24, 2024, compared to the average day in June.

Even with this, the heat continues to expand throughout the nation.

Numerous workers are impacted by this heat wave, especially those who work outside at a rigorous rate, such as construction workers and food concession stand workers.

Many, when interviewed by CBS News, talked about having to repeatedly take breaks to cool off and drink water, as having enough water is essential for human health.

Based on the graph provided in a CNN article on this topic, on June 23, 2024, those living in the U.S. experienced a 30-day high temperature, with 123.8 million U.S. citizens living under active National Weather Service extreme heat advisories, watches, and warnings.

Water is essential for surviving this large heatwave, which is predicted to expand even further.

The UC Davis Health center emphasizes that water is crucial for waste elimination, nutrient transport, organ protection, and, critically, body temperature regulation.

Therefore, numerous companies are mandating breaks to ensure the health and safety of their workers.

Currently, according to USA Today, more than 100 million people across the country are suffering from this unbearable heat.

State officials have implemented various protocols to prepare for the ongoing heat and its potential escalation.

Emergency operations are in place to address heat-related emergencies, and New York Mayor Eric Adams has established cooling centers to offer residents a refuge from the heat.

As this heatwave continues to get worse, it is vital for citizens to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their health and safety.