This week, the country is bracing for early seasonal heat waves, with record or near-record high temperatures anticipated across the Northern and Southern Plains, Southwest, and vast regions of central and southern Texas.

On Monday, temperatures climbed into the 90s in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota, with some areas likely reaching triple-digit highs.

Beginning Tuesday, Texas will experience its hottest conditions, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit becoming commonplace throughout the state, according to the agency.

“We are expecting record-breaking heat by mid-week across much of central and southern Texas,” the Weather Service noted. I mentioned this in a short-distance forecast on Monday.

In a series of posts on X, the San Antonio Weather Service office cautioned that many people may struggle to adapt to such extreme temperatures, heightening the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities.

“Temperatures are slated to soar above 100 on Tuesday, with some locations potentially hitting 110 mid-week. Ensure you have access to cooling and ample hydration before the heat arrives,” the office advised. I shared this on X.

As the week continues, the heat will intensify in the central and southern plains, eventually spreading to the southeastern U.S. and Florida.

Cities likely to set new daily temperature records this week include Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston in Texas, as well as Oklahoma City; Shreveport, Louisiana; Charleston, South Carolina; and Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and Orlando in Florida.

The unseasonably high temperatures are attributed to strong high-pressure ridges situated over much of the country, particularly in Texas. These “thermal domes” effectively trap heat in the region, leading to elevated temperatures for several days.

Southern California recorded historic highs over the weekend, peaking at 103 in downtown Los Angeles, surpassing the previous record of 99 set in 1988. According to reports, this significant increase has raised concerns.

Research indicates that climate change is intensifying the frequency, duration, and intensity of heat waves globally. Scientists predict yet another hot summer following two consecutive years of record-breaking global temperatures (2023 and 2024).

These ongoing record temperatures are part of alarming warming trends long anticipated by climate change models. The hottest years on record since 1850 have all occurred within the last decade. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.