Overview

• A massive heat dome over central and eastern states has driven record highs in cities like Tampa, Charlotte and Orlando, with Tampa reaching 38 °C and felt temperatures topping 43 °C.
• Over 160 million people remain under heat warnings while the National Weather Service forecasts extreme heat will persist through July 30.
• Hospitals are reporting sharp rises in heat exhaustion and heat stroke cases and environmental monitors warn of worsening air quality from higher particulate and ozone levels.
• Power grids are operating at capacity due to peak air-conditioning use, prompting some cities to issue urgent calls for electricity savings.
• The Trump administration has announced plans to withdraw the EPA’s greenhouse gas endangerment finding even as the nation endures unprecedented heat levels.