Heat Wave in Northeast and Midwest

A dangerous heat wave in the Northeast and Midwest is breaking records with highs in the mid-90s. Heat alerts are issued for various regions, with some relief expected in New England and upstate New York. Heat index may reach upper 90s or lower 100s, with heat illness risk due to high temperatures, warm lows, and humidity. Jet stream pushed northward causing a heat dome over the East. Linda Lam, lead meteorologist at weather.com, provides insights.

Heat Stress and Its Measurement

Experts are warning about the dangers of heat stress, which is a condition that occurs when the body's cooling systems are overwhelmed by prolonged exposure to heat. Heat stress can lead to symptoms ranging from dizziness to organ failure and death. Various factors including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and clothing play a role in how the body responds to extreme heat. Different methods, such as wet-bulb temperature and the Universal Thermal Climate Index, are used to measure heat stress levels and assess health risks.