An intense heat wave is once again set to scorch the eastern U.S., bringing dangerously high temperatures, oppressive humidity, and the risk of heat-related illness across Central Ohio and beyond. According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the heat will begin ramping up this weekend and peak late next week. If this feels familiar, it’s because it is—another massive summer heat dome is back.
What Is a Heat Dome?
A heat dome forms when a strong zone of high pressure settles over a region, trapping hot air beneath it for days or even weeks. These domes don’t just bring high temperatures—they amplify humidity, raise overnight lows, and can push heat index values into the triple digits.
This year’s dome, which has already baked parts of the Southwest, is expected to push eastward, expanding into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Mid-Atlantic by late June. NOAA models suggest it could rival last year’s dome in strength—only this time, it’s building earlier and may linger through the first week of July.
What to Expect in Columbus
Starting Sunday, temperatures will climb into the 90s across Central Ohio, with peak heat arriving between June 26–28. The NOAA hazards outlook lists a moderate risk of extreme heat for the region, warning of both dangerously high daytime temperatures and elevated overnight lows that could prevent relief after sunset.
Expect:
- Daytime highs in the mid-90s to near 100°F
- Heat index values exceeding 100°F
- Overnight lows remaining in the upper 70s to low 80s
- Heightened risk of heat illness, particularly for vulnerable populations
While the core of the dome will begin to weaken slightly by the end of next week, NOAA indicates the risk for extreme heat may continue into early July.
How to Stay Cool in Columbus
Whether this is your first heat dome or your third, it’s crucial to take it seriously. Prolonged exposure to heat can be dangerous—even deadly. Here’s how to stay safe:
💧 Stay Hydrated: Drink water throughout the day. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
🏠 Stay Indoors During Peak Heat: Try to stay inside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Use air conditioning if you have it.
🌀 Use Fans Strategically: Fans can help, but during extreme heat, they aren’t a substitute for AC. Cooling towels or cool showers can help lower your body temp.
👕 Dress Light: Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to keep cool.
📵 Limit Outdoor Activity: Postpone yard work or exercise until early morning or after sunset.
🤝 Check on Others: Check in on elderly relatives, neighbors without AC, and anyone who may be at higher risk.
🚨 Know the Signs of Heat Illness: Watch for heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen.
📍 Cooling Centers: The City of Columbus may open cooling centers as the forecast develops. Check back or follow local alerts for updated locations and hours.
Is This the New Normal?
Heat domes have always existed, but climate data shows they’re becoming more intense, more frequent, and longer-lasting. Central Ohio’s increasingly hot summers, combined with high humidity, make these events especially dangerous for communities not accustomed to sustained extreme heat.
Stay safe, stay cool, and check back for local cooling center info as we get closer to the peak. This dome may not be our last this summer.
