Extreme Heat Wave Continues to Affect Over 100 Million in US

WHO:

AP News - Pete Miller, outreach manager for the homeless services network Threshold CoC.

ABC News - National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Bob Oravec.

WHAT:

ABC News - More than 100 million people across the United States are under heat alerts.

AP News - At least 40 million people are under extreme heat warnings.

AP News - Heat indexes are well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) across large areas.

AP News - Rapid City, South Dakota, reported an all-time high of 112 degrees Fahrenheit (44 C).

ABC News - Denver's forecast high of 102 degrees would break its July 26 record of 100 degrees, set in 1910.

ABC News - Rapid City’s forecast high of 105 degrees would challenge its daily record of 103, set in 1987.

ABC News - Afternoon temperatures are forecast to reach 100 degrees from the desert Southwest to parts of the Rockies, the Plains, and the Dakotas.

ABC News - Severe thunderstorms are expected in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes.

WHERE:

AP News - Central and southern United States, including states from Minnesota to Mississippi, southern California, and Nevada.

ABC News - Cities forecasted to reach triple-digit highs include Las Vegas, Phoenix, Rapid City, Omaha, Denver, Dallas, Kansas City, Minneapolis, and St. Louis.

ABC News - Portions of the Midwest and Great Lakes are under a 3 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms.

WHEN:

ABC News - Extreme heat warnings are in effect as of July 26, 2026.

ABC News - Dangerous heat is expected through at least Monday.

ABC News - A cold front is expected to bring cooler weather to the Upper Midwest early this week.

ABC News - Temperatures in Palm Springs, California, are expected to approach 120 degrees by next weekend.

WHY:

AP News - The sweltering weather is attributed to a heat dome, which traps heat and prolongs high temperatures.

AP News - Extreme heat events are increased and exacerbated by climate change due to the burning of fuels like gasoline, oil, and coal.

HOW:

AP News - Authorities recommend seeking air conditioning or cooling centers, drinking enough water, and limiting time in direct sunlight to mitigate heat-related risks.

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 01:28 UTC)

More than 100 million people across the United States are currently under heat alerts, with at least 40 million facing extreme heat warnings as temperatures soar well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in many areas. Rapid City, South Dakota, has reported an all-time high of 112 degrees, while Denver is forecasted to reach 102 degrees, breaking a record set in 1910. Authorities are advising residents to seek air conditioning, stay hydrated, and limit sun exposure as a heat dome continues to trap high temperatures, with Palm Springs, California, expected to approach 120 degrees by next weekend.