Forecast NWS NDFD Max temperatures (F) and departure from climatology (fill) in the United States, 25 July 2021 - 28 July 2021. Graphic: NOAA / NWS
Forecast NWS NDFD Max temperatures (F) and departure from climatology (fill) in the United States, 25 July 2021 – 28 July 2021. Graphic: NOAA / NWS

By Jeanine Santucci
24 July 2021

(USA TODAY) – Most of the nation can expect above average temperatures in coming days as a giant heat wave is expected to spread across much of the continental U.S. beginning next week.

The heat wave will bring temperatures that are at least 5 to 10 degrees higher than average to much of the country, according to estimates by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which predicts a high probability of above-average temperatures for most of the U.S. over the next several days.

Add in climbing humidity, and many people will experience temperatures that will feel well over 100 during the heat wave, according Capitol Weather Gang meteorologist Mike Cappucci. The increasing heat is a sign of an oncoming heat dome, he said.

Temperatures in the mid-100s Fahrenheit are forecast for eastern Montana, the Upper Missouri Valley and South Dakota in the first half of the week. Heat indexes could be over 110 in urban areas such as St. Louis, with a slight cool down possible by the end of the week in some areas. Later in the week, areas of Oregon, Idaho, and Washington will likely see temperatures into the 100s. […]

The latest heat wave comes after the Pacific Northwest heat wave in late June which caused record-breaking temperatures and hundreds of deaths in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada. 

The Western U.S. has also already been experiencing a punishing summer that has shattered hundreds of temperature records, with drought encompassing more than 95% of the region, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. [more]

Heat wave to cover huge swath of US in coming days, bringing high temperatures to millions