A Historic Heat Dome Is Creeping Across the US. Here’s How to Prepare

A massive heat wave broke heat records in 14 states, including Arizona and California, reaching up to 112 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. According to the National Weather Service, the situation is now heading east.

The heat wave continues its journey across the Midwestern United States and is expected to affect between a quarter and a third of the continent’s 48 states, National Weather Service meteorologist Gregg Gallina told The Associated Press. The highest temperatures recorded today are in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, what the National Weather Service calls the Southern Rocky Mountain region. But hot air is moving.

The reason these high temperatures persist is the “heat dome” phenomenon, in which high pressure prevents warm air from rising, trapping it in a bubble above a region. As the pressure dome moves, so does the warm air – and right now, it’s heading east.

States that will be smothered by the heat dome in the coming days include those in the southern and central Plains regions. That means residents of Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska can expect to sweat as the heat envelopes them during their trip east.

What the thermal dome means for climate change and our health

According to Climate Central, the United States has seen increasing rates of power outages over the past 20 years, largely due to weather-related issues and an aging power grid.

As of August 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. The World Health Organization reports that between 2000 and 2019, approximately 489,000 heat-related deaths occurred each year.

Fortunately, humidity levels are not as high during a summer heatwave. As humidity can contribute to dehydrationbody fatigue and breathing difficulties, as well as lower humidity make this thermal dome somewhat less dangerous for workers in affected areas.

The World Weather Attribution, an initiative formed by international climate change researchers and climatologists, determined that building a heat dome would be “virtually impossible without human-induced climate change.”

In a world where weather events like these cease to be impossible, you’ll need to properly prepare for future heat waves. Here’s how to stay safe during the heat dome.

How to Prepare for Heat Dome Before It Hits Your State

There’s nothing you can do to beat the heat outside except follow good practices in thermal safety. Just stay hydrated, wear light-colored, breathable clothing, and wait out the potentially dangerous heat dome, which is expected to dissipate by the end of next week in early April. But you can take steps to batten down the hatches before the sweltering heat hits your home.

Even if you don’t have much preparation time, a some small objects can make your home safer (and much more comfortable). Cooling towels, portable fans and countertop ice makers are essential during heatwaves, especially if you’re not looking to turn down the thermostat and spend a pretty penny.

Heat waves are also extremely costly due to the large amount of energy used: staying cool is expensive. However, depending on your life situation, you may want to invest in heat pump installation. These additions to the HVAC system are extremely energy efficientmeaning you can keep more money in your pocket while beating the heat.

In the middle of the heat wave, when everyone has their air conditioner running, there is also the risk of an early brownout (a temporary drop in electrical voltage, causing lights to dim) or even a blackout (a complete loss of power). It’s common to feel helpless during a power outage, but you can get a head start by preparing a summer blackout kit with portable chargers and alternative light sources before the heatwave hits.

Even if the historic heat wave doesn’t hit your home, these tips will help you prepare as the summer season descends on the United States in a few months.