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By Joe Edwards

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Americans across 29 states have received heat-related warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) as of early Monday, with the agency cautioning against leaving pets in cars amid "dangerously hot conditions" in some areas.

Why It Matters

The heat dome over the eastern U.S. originated in the Plains and Midwest, where temperatures in the 90s and above 100 degrees Fahrenheit have persisted since late last week, according to forecasters at AccuWeather.

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Authorities caution that spending prolonged periods outdoors without proper hydration or ways to stay cool may result in heat-related illnesses.

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What To Know

As of early Monday, extreme heat warnings were in effect across parts of the following states:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Missouri
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Virginia
• West Virginia

"An Extreme Heat Warning means that a period of very hot temperatures, even by local standards, will occur," the NWS said. "Actions should be taken to lessen the impact of the extreme heat."

The NWS warned of "dangerously hot conditions," adding that heat index levels—reflecting how hot it feels when humidity is included—were forecast to climb into the triple digits in these regions.

"Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles," the agency said.

"Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes," the NWS added.

The service also advised drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room, staying out of the sun, and checking on relatives and neighbors.

Meanwhile, heat advisories, which the NWS issues "for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria," were also in place across parts of these states:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Mississippi
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Wisconsin

What People Are Saying

The National Weather Service wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday: "Though record high temperatures are expected in the coming days, the duration of the heat as demonstrated by the numerous record warm morning lows will make this period especially oppressive. Couple this with the fact that this is the first major heat wave of the year—when our bodies aren't acclimated to the heat yet—will make for an especially dangerous period for many."

AccuWeather meteorologist Adam Douty told Newsweek that temperatures would gradually lower toward the middle and end of the week, though he added that "highs will still remain above the historical average for many areas."

NWS St. Louis, Missouri, wrote on X on Sunday: "After a hot weekend, there's not much relief in sight from the early summer heat. High temperatures will be in the 90s, with heat indices topping in the 100s each day with a chance of thunder by mid to late week."

What Happens Next

The NWS issues regular forecast updates on its website and social media channels.

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