By Dana Solomon, Senior Correspondent
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a severe heat alert for the United States, warning that summer 2025 could be one of the most dangerous in decades. According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, significantly above-average temperatures are expected across nearly the entire country, including parts of Alaska.
This unusual nationwide trend is being driven by a combination of persistent atmospheric patterns, elevated sea surface temperatures, and the ongoing impacts of climate change. NOAA anticipates widespread, coast-to-coast heatwaves, exacerbated in urban areas by the urban heat island effect. These extreme temperatures elevate the risk of heat-related deaths, which already surpass fatalities from storms. The intense heat could also worsen wildfire threats and strain the power grid and infrastructure.
A Nation Braces for Unrelenting Heat
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forecasts that the contiguous United States will experience a hotter-than-normal summer, with the highest probabilities in the interior West and southwestern Texas. The eastern half of the U.S. is also expected to experience warmer-than-average conditions, particularly in the northern Plains, southern Texas, and from the Mississippi Valley to the Atlantic coast.
This projection aligns with a broader trend of increasing summer temperatures across the country. A recent analysis shows that summers in the U.S. have been consistently warming, with nearly all major cities experiencing rising average summer temperatures over the past five decades. Cities like Reno, Nevada, Boise, Idaho, and El Paso, Texas have recorded some of the most significant increases.
Urban Heat Islands Amplify Risks
Urban areas are particularly vulnerable due to the “urban heat island” effect, where concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat, leading to higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas. This phenomenon exacerbates the health risks associated with extreme heat, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those without access to air conditioning.
In response, some cities have been hiring “chief heat officers” and implementing initiatives to reduce urban temperatures, such as planting more trees, painting roofs white, and expanding green spaces. These efforts aim to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on densely populated communities.
Health Implications and Infrastructure Strain
Extreme heat poses significant health risks, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and can worsen existing health conditions. Heat-related deaths already outnumber those caused by other natural disasters, and the anticipated heatwaves could further increase this toll.
The intense heat is also expected to strain power grids as demand for air conditioning soars. Aging infrastructure may not be equipped to handle prolonged periods of high electricity usage, raising the possibility of rolling blackouts. Additionally, dry and hot conditions heighten the risk of wildfires, particularly in areas with dense vegetation and limited rainfall.
Regional Outlooks
In the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, areas like Washington D.C. are forecasted to endure an especially hot and humid summer, potentially one of the hottest on record. Residents may experience significantly more days above 90°F than average, along with several days reaching 100°F.
The Midwest and Great Plains have already seen early heatwaves that set temperature records. These regions face compounded risks due to low spring precipitation and rapidly melting snowpacks, which increase drought and wildfire threats.
In the West and Southwest, the probability of above-normal temperatures is highest. These areas are particularly vulnerable to wildfires and power grid stress due to extended periods of extreme heat.
NOAA’s HeatRisk Tool
To help communities prepare, NOAA has expanded its HeatRisk tool. Developed in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this tool provides guidance for vulnerable populations and forecasts heat impact levels up to seven days in advance. It helps local governments and health organizations plan and implement heat mitigation strategies.
Preparing for the Heat
As the nation braces for a potentially dangerous summer, individuals and communities are urged to take proactive measures. Staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and checking on vulnerable neighbors are essential steps. Local governments are encouraged to open cooling centers and provide resources for those at risk.
With climate change contributing to more frequent and intense heatwaves, the importance of preparation and resilience has never been more critical.
