At least 90 new records will likely be made this week in terms of temperature in the United States, most of which are connected with unusually warm night conditions rather than warm days. As reported by Phys.org, quoting data provided by the US National Weather Service via the Associated Press, the night temperatures are staying exceptionally high, which hinders the process of recovering from the heat.

The nighttime temperature is set to remain above 27°C (80°F) in places like Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, and Charleston, while in the Midwest and Northeast parts, where nights are usually cooler, temperatures will still stay above 21°C (70°F) in cities like Fargo, International Falls, and Portland, Maine. The unusual warmth of the night is attributed to the presence of a heat dome in many regions of the country.

Warm nighttime temperatures are dangerous for health specialists since people need cooling periods at night to bring their core temperatures back down. Thus, in case a body cannot cool itself properly, heat stress may accumulate each day, resulting in heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and even cardiovascular problems, especially in elderly individuals, kids, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying medical problems.

Moreover, scientists note that the effect of heat is not instant. Consequences of long-term exposure to such environmental conditions start showing themselves only after several days of exposure. Early symptoms of heat illnesses include sweating, muscle cramps, headaches, and feeling tired.

The ongoing heat wave comes after several weeks of record-high temperatures for most of the United States. The unusual weather conditions have already resulted in some heat-related fatalities in New Jersey, as well as helped create the potential for wildfires in parts of the western United States. According to forecasters, the heat will last throughout the week with few opportunities for nighttime cooling in many areas.

According to public health experts, individuals should minimize their exposure to heat, whenever possible, by staying indoors in air-conditioned buildings, consuming adequate amounts of water, and checking on family members, neighbors, and other vulnerable individuals. Even in cases where air conditioners are not available at home, individuals can use fans, cool water, and community cooling centers during persistent hot weather.