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Extreme Heat Warnings Cover 80 Million Americans

8/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. National Weather Service issued extreme heat warnings affecting over 80 million people.
Heat index values of 105-115 °F are expected in southern Arizona, Texas, Louisiana and northern Florida.
Daytime temperatures could exceed 100 °F across the Southern Plains and reach 110 °F or higher in the Southwest.
Scientists say climate change adds 3-5 °F to U.S. heat waves, doubling their frequency since the 1980s.

History

Historical Context

In July 1936, the Dust Bowl heat wave killed over 5,000 people across the United States. Earlier catastrophes such as the 1901 eastern heat wave (9,500 deaths) and the 1980 heat wave (?1,000 deaths) showed a recurring pattern of deadly extremes, a trend that continued through later decades and shapes today’s climate-risk planning.

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Story summary

The U.S. National Weather Service issued extreme heat warnings affecting over 80 million people.
Heat index values of 105-115 °F are expected in southern Arizona, Texas, Louisiana and northern Florida.
Daytime temperatures could exceed 100 °F across the Southern Plains and reach 110 °F or higher in the Southwest.
Scientists say climate change adds 3-5 °F to U.S. heat waves, doubling their frequency since the 1980s.

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