America is facing a week of extreme weather, with dangerous storms and unbearable heat spreading across many states.
Weather experts warn that both the Midwest and East Coast could see severe thunderstorms and flash floods, while the central and southern parts of the country suffer from a strong heat dome bringing triple-digit temperatures.
What’s Happening with the Weather?
Forecasters from AccuWeather and the National Weather Service say a mix of hot weather and thunderstorms will affect millions of people. Over 50 million Americans from Texas to Missouri were already under heat warnings or advisories as of July 20.
Storms are expected to bring heavy rain, large hail, and wind gusts up to 85 miles per hour, especially in areas like southern Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia. These states may experience nighttime thunderstorms that could cause sudden flooding.
Where Is the Worst Weather Expected?
According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski, recent heavy rains have already saturated many areas. Any more rain now could lead to life-threatening flash flooding, especially in:
Southern Illinois
Indiana
Central and Eastern Kentucky
Southern West Virginia
Southwestern Virginia
These areas need to be especially careful as even a short, strong storm could lead to fast and dangerous flooding.
What Is a Heat Dome?
A heat dome is a large area of high pressure that traps hot air under it, making the ground much hotter and increasing humidity. This kind of system can cause heat waves that last for days or even weeks.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Chad Merrill said the heat dome could last well into August. Cities like Kansas City, Missouri, which haven’t hit 100°F in two years, may now see that temperature multiple times this week. Dallas, Texas, could also hit 100°F for the first time in 2025.
The long heat spell is expected to cause droughts to spread in places like Kansas and Nebraska, where some areas are already facing moderate to extreme drought.
Texas Flooding Update: Fewer People Missing
Meanwhile, in Texas, where flooding caused by storms over the Fourth of July weekend claimed many lives, the situation is improving slightly. Officials in Kerr County now say that only 3 people are still missing, down from the earlier number of 97.
On July 15, Governor Greg Abbott said there were still 97 people missing in the Kerrville area. But after more checks by state and local agencies, most of those individuals were found safe. Sadly, the death toll in the state reached 135, with 116 deaths in Kerr County alone.
