Central and Southern U.S. face extreme heat and severe storms

A severe heat wave is impacting the central and southern United States during the third week of September. More than 50 million people are expected to face major to extreme HeatRisk on Tuesday, with temperatures potentially reaching record highs in states including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

The most intense heat and humidity are projected for Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, where heat index values could reach between 105 and 110 degrees. Temperatures in some areas may be 10 to 20 degrees above average due to a persistent heat dome.

In addition to the heat, a cold front is expected to trigger powerful thunderstorms across the central U.S. early in the week. These storms, fueled by high humidity, carry a risk of heavy rain and flooding, with over 41 million people across at least 15 states facing marginal to slight flood risks.