Parts of the United States are facing official heat advisories this week, as summer temperatures reach dangerous thresholds. Connecticut is experiencing its first heat wave of the summer in 2025 with heat index values above 100°F.
In response, Connecticut has activated its hot weather protocol from Sunday to Wednesday, to help keep people safe. Colorado will begin a heat advisory starting Friday and continuing on through Saturday surrounding the Denver metro area. Daytime highs will be between 100°F to 105°F, due to an oppressive heat dome.
What is truly shocking, is that Alaska has issued a first ever heat advisory. Areas such as Fairbanks and Juneau are expecting to be over 85°F which would be unprecedented for those areas.
It is extremely significant that there are heat alerts in regions that had previously been regarded as cool, and possibly safe from extreme heat, because of climate change.
Health officials in all of these areas have been advising people to stay inside, drink water often, and refrain from exertions during the hottest times of the day.
Many cities have planned cooling center options for people without air conditioning. People are also being instructed to check up on the elderly, children, and pets in extremely hot weather.
NOAA's HeatRisk shows major to extreme heat in the Plains, Midwest, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast this weekend into next week.
— Ben Noll (@BenNollWeather) June 17, 2025
Extreme, the highest level on the four-tier scale, is described as "rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief." pic.twitter.com/HgmK8q8IAc
Officials Urge Caution as Heat Wave Plods Across the Country
Local and state officials across the U.S. are warning residents to take the ongoing heat wave seriously. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that the dangerous weather prolonged exposure to heat can lead to serious illness such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke and possibly death if not treated.
At any one time, even healthy adults are particularly at risk during extreme heat events, especially during the later part of the day when it can be especially punishing to take part in outdoor physical activity.
Many cities, primarily in the Sun Belt or urban centers where the heat builds up faster, have opened cooling centers. Cooling centers are air-conditioned workplaces for those who do not have the proper cooling inside their home, providing them with a safe place to rest out the most intense periods of heat.
Neighbors are being encouraged to look in on seniors, those with disabilities, and those who live alone.
Here are some recommendations from the CDC to avoid the health risks associated with extreme heat:
- Stay inside during peak heat and sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Drink plenty of water, even when you are not thirsty
- Wear light, breathable clothing
- Do not drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages that could dehydrate the body.
The country is only going further into summer and more heat waves are expected to occur, so staying informed and prepared will help you manage and stay safe, while also avoiding health risks.
