**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ISSUES EXTREME HEAT ADVISORY FOR MULTIPLE REGIONS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (July 30, 2024) – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a widespread Heat Advisory effective from 11:00 AM local time Wednesday through 9:00 PM Friday, citing a dangerous combination of high temperatures and oppressive humidity.

WHO: The advisory affects approximately 45 million residents across the Upper Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and parts of the Northeast. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, infants, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, are being urged to take immediate precautions.

WHAT: Forecasters predict heat index values will soar between 100 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The advisory warns of prolonged exposure leading to an elevated risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Local emergency management agencies have been placed on standby.

WHERE: The advisory spans from metropolitan Chicago and St. Louis eastward through Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and up to Hartford, Connecticut. Major metropolitan transit authorities have announced potential service reductions to prevent infrastructure failures.

WHEN: The extreme conditions are expected to peak between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM daily, with minimal overnight relief as temperatures are not forecast to drop below 78 degrees in urban centers.

WHY: A high-pressure system has stalled over the Ohio Valley, trapping warm, humid air and preventing the influx of cooler, drier air from the north. Meteorologists cite this pattern as a mechanism for the current heat dome.

OFFICIAL GUIDANCE: Officials are advising residents to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and check on neighbors. Cooling centers will be opened in all affected municipalities. Authorities stress that the current conditions can be fatal if ignored.