For instance, Des Moines, Iowa, witnessed its highest temperature of the summer at 98 degrees on July 28. Meteorologists predict that temperatures may surpass the 100-degree mark in the city for a few days in the early part of the coming week.
Although some regions may not experience the hottest weather of the season so far, they are still expected to endure extreme heat. High temperatures near or slightly above 100 degrees are anticipated in cities such as Omaha, Nebraska; Kansas City, Missouri; St. Louis; and Topeka, Kansas.
The swift temperature increase contributes to the ongoing drought plaguing the central United States. Sections of Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are grappling with severe drought conditions, as per the United States Drought Monitor.
The parched ground heats up faster than moist soil due to the reduced energy absorption caused by the evaporation of moisture.
“On the rim of the massive heat dome, moisture and cooler air will be found,” Douty said. “These fringe areas will include the Gulf Coast, the western third of the nation, and the Northeast.”
