Denver, Colorado — While millions across the eastern half of the United States continue to endure sweltering temperatures and oppressive humidity through the Independence Day holiday, forecasters say a major weather pattern shift is on the way. The intense heat gripping the East is expected to ease gradually, but the relief will come at the expense of the western United States, where a powerful new heat dome is forecast to develop next week.
Meteorologists say the changing pattern could bring the hottest temperatures of the season so far to several western states while also increasing concerns about wildfire activity, smoke-filled skies and poor air quality.
Heat Dome Expected to Build Across the Western States
The massive heat dome that formed over the central United States earlier this week has slowly drifted eastward and is expected to weaken over the Southeast during the weekend.
As the high-pressure system breaks down, cooler air and more frequent thunderstorms are expected to spread across parts of the Midwest and Northeast next week…