A historic heatwave now grips the eastern half of the United States, placing over 185 million Americans under heat alerts. Communities from the Southeast to the Midwest face oppressive conditions—heat index values in places like Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana are approaching 120°F, while urban centers including New Orleans, Raleigh, Memphis, St. Louis, and more endure “feels like” temperatures between 97°F and 111°F.
These extremes are putting immense pressure on vulnerable populations, public health systems, and local infrastructure—turning a natural phenomenon into an urgent moral crisis.
Heat Risks Elevated; Records Falling
The National Weather Service has issued Level 4 heat risk alerts—its highest level—for much of Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas, with Level 3 warnings stretching across the eastern plains and mid-Atlantic. On Sunday, Tampa broke its all-time high at 100°F, along with multiple new daily temperature records across affected regions.
Forecasters warn that elevated temperatures will persist through midweek, with daytime highs in the upper 90s to low 100s and heat indices between 105°F and 115°F. Nighttime provides little relief—overnight lows remain in the upper 70s or higher, particularly dangerous for those without adequate cooling.
Underfunded Agencies + Climate Change = More Harm
Just as the heatwave intensifies, our national capacity to respond is weakened. Budget cuts under the Trump administration significantly reduced staffing and resources at agencies like NOAA and the National Weather Service, calling into question our preparedness. Regional offices—including Houston—have reduced services, leaving communities with less warning and protection.
Meanwhile, the EPA estimates that over 1,300 people die each year from heat-related causes. This heatwave, like others, disproportionately affects migrants, incarcerated people, unhoused individuals, schoolchildren, the elderly, and outdoor workers—those already suffering from systemic neglect.