The heat dome that produced the deadliest July 4 heat wave in over a decade on the East Coast is now on the move. The National Weather Service has confirmed that cooler air from the north is pushing the heat dome south and west, which means the Southeast and eventually the western United States are entering their highest heat-risk window.
Twenty-five people are suspected dead from heat in New Jersey alone. Most were found in homes without air conditioning. Before the same heat dome reaches Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver, and other western cities — and before the Southeast's new heat window peaks this weekend — the East Coast experience provides a precise, documented preview of what happens when communities are underprepared.
