A dangerous heat dome affecting nearly 170 million Americans in the eastern U.S. is causing extreme heat and humidity. The wet-bulb temperature, a measure of heat stress, is alarmingly high, exceeding thresholds where the human body struggles to cool itself. Experts warn that this is exacerbated by climate change, with wet-bulb temperatures projected to rise significantly in the coming decades, potentially leading to increased heat-related deaths. The situation necessitates urgent improvements in infrastructure and public health responses to extreme heat.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.