2025 Could Be the Second Hottest Year on Record: Millions Affected by Extreme Heat in the U.S.

Extreme Heat in the US This 2025

2025, the Second Hottest Year on Record

Authorities Issue Warnings

Summer heat has arrived early in the United States, severely impacting states across the Central and Southern regions.

Millions of people are already facing abnormally high temperatures, with forecasts predicting a continued rise in the coming days.

According to the specialist site CarbonBrief, the 48 contiguous states experienced one of the warmest springs since records began 131 years ago.

March and April together marked the fifth-warmest two-month period ever recorded, according to Yale Climate Connections.

Temperatures Break Historical Records

2025 Could Be the Second Hottest Year on Record – Photo: Shutterstock

The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories across vast portions of the country, noting that humidity will further intensify the stifling conditions.

Experts say this year has already ranked among the hottest on record, surpassing previous benchmarks.

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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has indicated there is a 39% chance that 2025 will become the second hottest year in global history.

Additionally, NOAA reports a greater than 99% chance that 2025 will rank among the five hottest years ever recorded. Official climate data shows the first quarter of 2025 was the second warmest in history.

April Breaks Previous Global Temperature Records

A recent report by the European Climate Change Service Copernicus revealed that April 2025 was the second warmest month ever recorded globally.

The average global temperature that month was 1.08 degrees Fahrenheit above the historical norm.

This record even surpassed April 2024, which had previously held the title.

The current climate phenomenon is leaving entire communities exposed to dangerously hot conditions.

Heat Dome Worsens the Outlook

The National Weather Service has warned about the formation of a heat dome that will drive temperatures up to 20 degrees above normal.

In some areas, temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with peaks surpassing 100 degrees.

Heat alerts already cover several parts of Texas, from the Hill Country to the state’s eastern coast.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend wearing light clothing, staying hydrated, using air conditioning, and avoiding physical exertion outdoors.

Experts Explain What a Heat Dome Is

According to William Gallus, professor of atmospheric sciences at Iowa State University, a heat dome forms when a region of high atmospheric pressure traps warm air over a specific area.

“The heat dome can stretch across several states and linger for days or weeks,” Gallus explained in an article published by USA Today.

This phenomenon exposes people, animals, and crops to stagnant hot air, creating oven-like conditions.

Farmers are already voicing concerns about potential crop damage due to heat stress.

Long-Term Climate Impact

The conditions in 2025 reflect a troubling trend that has intensified globally in recent years.

Scientists warn that the frequency and severity of such extreme events will continue to rise unless decisive action is taken against climate change. In the words of experts, “we’re witnessing the consequences of global warming in real time.”

Meanwhile, communities across the country are bracing for a prolonged heatwave that could have serious consequences for public health and the environment.

Authorities have issued a clear call: stay alert, protect yourself from extreme heat, and remain informed of any weather updates, USA Today reported.