Unseasonal Triple-Digit Temperatures Hit U.S. Midwest \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ An early and intense heat wave is sweeping across the U.S., pushing temperatures to summer-like extremes from Texas to the Dakotas. Forecasters are urging caution as records tumble and fire risks grow. Experts warn this may represent a new climate “normal” driven by warming trends.
Quick Looks
- Heat wave impacts stretch from the Dakotas to Texas.
- Austin and San Antonio hit early-season triple-digit highs.
- Fargo and Bismarck broke 100+ year-old temperature records.
- Wildfires explode in Minnesota amid extreme dryness.
- High-pressure ridge over Gulf fuels persistent heat pattern.
- Climate experts warn this may become the new normal.
- Texas officials issue public safety alerts for heat risks.
- Gulf of Mexico renamed “Gulf of America” by executive order.
Deep Look
An unrelenting dome of high pressure has brought intense, summer-like heat to large parts of the United States this week, upending spring norms and putting millions at risk of heat-related illness and wildfire threats. The heat wave is stretching from the Dakotas to Texas, with multiple cities experiencing record-breaking temperatures more typical of August than May, according to National Weather Service meteorologists.
In Texas, cities like Austin and San Antonio are bracing for what could become their longest-ever streak of triple-digit temperatures recorded this early in the year. Further north, the Dakotas and Minnesota have seen highs 30 degrees above average, sparking concerns about drought and fire conditions.
A Warming Gulf and a Persistent Pressure Ridge
At the core of this system is a powerful ridge of high pressure parked over the Gulf of Mexico and extending into the southern and central United States. This atmospheric feature is not only driving the heat across Texas and Florida, but also into the Midwest and parts of southern Canada.
“This week is feeling more like August than May,” said Cameron Self, meteorologist with the NWS Houston/Galveston office. “Long stretches of 90-plus degree temperatures typically hold off until June.”
Self and other forecasters expect above-normal heat to persist for at least another 6 to 10 days, with only marginal relief in areas near the coast, where cooler water temperatures may help moderate the air.
Dakotas and Minnesota Shatter Century-Old Records
The Upper Midwest has seen some of the most dramatic temperature spikes. On Sunday, Fargo, ND hit 95°F, breaking a record from 1887. Bismarck hit 97°F on Monday, shattering an 1880 record.
“This is very early for this kind of heat,” said Mindy Beerends, meteorologist-in-charge for the NWS in Grand Forks. “It’s concerning not just because of the heat itself, but the conditions it creates.”
Wildfire Emergency Escalates in Minnesota
As temperatures climb, so do the risks. Northern Minnesota, which typically experiences moderate fire activity this time of year, is seeing explosive wildfire behavior fueled by heat, drought, and low humidity. Governor Tim Walz warned that fire danger remains extremely high, with more than 80 wildfires igniting since Sunday and over 37,000 acres burned — already triple the state’s yearly average.
“This is going to be an ongoing battle throughout the summer,” Walz said.
In North Dakota, wildfires are also surging. In one incident near Lincoln Valley, 200 acres burned in a fast-moving blaze, with 50-60 firefighters and local farmers mobilized to control the flames, said Brian Galvin, fire chief in Goodrich.
Texas Braces for Prolonged Extreme Heat
While parts of the Midwest may get a brief reprieve later in the week, Texas is expected to remain dangerously hot well into next week. In San Antonio, forecasts predict highs above 100°F through the weekend. The Texas Department of Public Safety has issued heat safety tips, urging residents to stay indoors, hydrate, and avoid outdoor exertion.
Closer to the coast, areas like Houston may avoid the worst of the heat, thanks to cooler Gulf water temperatures — now renamed the “Gulf of America” by executive order from President Donald Trump, though the new name holds no international recognition.
Scientists Warn This Is the “New Normal”
Climate experts say this event is part of a broader trend: earlier, longer, and more intense heat events driven by climate change.
“We’re seeing temperature records broken somewhere every month, every year,” said Dr. Sylvia Dee, assistant professor at Rice University. “This is our new normal. Texans — and all Americans — need to prepare for more persistent and earlier heatwaves.”
Dee noted that a lengthened summer season increases risk for vulnerable populations — including the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those without access to air conditioning or reliable electricity.
“If this is happening every single year, we need to stop treating it like an isolated incident,” Dee added. “We need to start building systems to protect those most at risk.”
A Call for Climate Resilience
The current heat wave — with its record temperatures, strained power grids, fire emergencies, and public health warnings — underscores the growing urgency for climate adaptation. Local and state governments must grapple with the challenge of keeping populations safe as formerly rare heat events become commonplace.
From Fargo to Houston, the message is clear: summer is starting sooner, it’s staying longer, and communities must be ready.
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