Duelling heat domes descend on the East and West coasts placing 200m under warnings

Earlier this summer, almost 200 people died from a record-breaking heatwave in the Pacific Northwest

Two heat domes are hovering over states in the Pacific Northwest, the upper Midwest, and East Coast, causing 200 million Americans to be put under a heat advisory.

On the West Coast, the heat dome is hovering around the Pacific Northwest. The heat is bringing winds to the region rather than cool air from the ocean. And the hot air from the southeast states is drifting up to the East Coast, bringing scorching temperatures to New York City and Philadelphia.

"Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," the National Weather Service said.

Extreme heat can have dire consequences. Earlier this summer, nearly 200 people died from a record-breaking heatwave in the Pacific Northwest.

In addition to putting humans in danger, the heat can worsen wildfire conditions. The Dixie fire in California that’s been burning for nearly a month, for example, is hardly contained by firefighters.

A UN report released on Monday said that the climate crisis has caused more frequent and intense heat waves — and the "unprecedented" heat events will continue as temperatures rise.

While temperatures will eventually cool off in the Pacific Northwest, the drought will cause more heat waves to occur.