On Saturday, cities such as St. Louis, Chicago, and Des Moines experienced heat indexes reaching triple digits, with the East Coast anticipating similar conditions by Monday.
In Minneapolis, Dick Kraklow arrived with his family and vintage vehicles for an annual gathering of the Minnesota Street Rod Association. However, due to extreme heat radiating from the asphalt at the state fairgrounds in St. Paul, the family decided to return to Wisconsin instead of displaying their collection.
“We love the show,” said Kraklow, a 42-year-old welder from Muskego, Wis. “But ultimately, it’s too hot.”
As a dangerous heat wave affected the Midwest and Central Plains, millions of Americans faced rising temperatures. The National Weather Service reported heat indexes of 101 degrees in Des Moines, 104 in Chicago and Sioux Falls, S.D., and 105 in St. Louis and Minneapolis, where the high of 96 degrees set a record for the date. Omaha's forecast indicated a heat index of 100 to 110 degrees in the shade over the weekend.
The intense heat is expected to move east and south in the coming days, with cities like New York, Washington, and Philadelphia likely to experience heat indexes exceeding 100 degrees. Over 64 million people across the country were placed under extreme heat warnings.
Climate scientists note that climate change has increased the frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves globally, although linking a specific event to climate change is complex.
In response to the extreme temperatures, cities across the Midwest opened cooling centers and issued advisories urging residents to limit sun exposure and check on vulnerable individuals. Concerns were raised that individuals may struggle to acclimate to the sudden heat following a cooler-than-normal spring.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed significant concern regarding the heat wave, recalling the 1995 heat wave that resulted in over 500 deaths in the city. Johnson stated that city officials were focused on supporting residents at risk for heat-related health issues, activating various city departments and collaborating with utility companies to ensure safety.
In Lincoln Square, Chicago, residents sought refuge from the heat. Jeremy Underhill and his daughter opted for iced coffee instead of hot tea, reconsidering their plans for an outdoor block party due to the rising temperatures.
In St. Louis, library branches serving as cooling centers reported increased traffic, particularly from residents affected by a recent severe storm and tornadoes. Justin Struttmann, COO of the city’s public library, noted that many visitors lacked air conditioning or had homes damaged in the storm.
In Omaha, the heat index could reach as high as 110 degrees. However, some residents remained unfazed. Duane Huey, 72, expressed his enjoyment of the heat, while Moe Nuhman, 39, stated, “This is Chicago. It gets hot. I love it.”
As Kraklow and his family prepared to return to Wisconsin, he reflected on the day ahead, stating, “It’s going to be a long day of just sweating in the car.”