The heat is on: Weather phenomenon sends temperatures to triple digits

July 1, 2026
Illustration of a hand pulling a glass dome over a globe on fire

Just in time for the holiday, the University of Virginia joins much of the East Coast under a sweltering dome of heat. UVA experts explain the weather event and the precautions to take as temperatures are expected to reach triple digits amid oppressive humidity. (Illustration generated by Johnny Utterback, University Communications, assisted by AI)

There’s a new dome over Grounds for the Fourth of July, and it isn’t perched atop the Rotunda.

The University of Virginia, the state and much of the East Coast are sweltering under a heat dome, a ridge in the jet stream that forces cooler air northward and promises to push the thermometer past 100 degrees.

The dome is expected to hover through most of the holiday weekend, subjecting celebrants not only to high temperatures but also to humidity ranging from 60% to 70% or more.

Portrait of Scott Doney

Scott Doney, the Joe D. and Helen J. Kington Professor in Environmental Change in UVA’s Department of Environmental Sciences, says human-driven climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense heat waves. (University Communications photo)

“The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerously hot temperatures and high humidity across our region over the coming days,” UVA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer “J.J.” Wagner Davis wrote in an email to the University community. “We encourage everyone to take extra precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illness.”

Davis said the University community is encouraged to use air-conditioned buildings whenever possible during the hottest parts of the day.

It may seem obvious that July and heat go together, but experts say heat domes are serious business. Europe has reported more than 1,300 heat-related deaths this summer due to similar weather phenomena, with heat waves hovering over the continent and the U.K.

“Human-driven climate change is contributing to more frequent and more intense heat waves,” said Scott Doney, the Joe D. and Helen J. Kington Professor in Environmental Change in the UVA Department of Environmental Sciences. “Solutions include adaptation – expanding access to air conditioning and cooling centers; redesigning urban areas to lower summer peak temperatures with more trees, white roofs, etc. – and mitigation by lowering and eventually eliminating human-induced emissions of heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide and methane.”

Discovery and Innovation: Daily research. Life-changing results.
Discovery and Innovation: Daily research. Life-changing results.

High temperatures, especially in summer, can create ground-level ozone, according to UVA environmental sciences professor Robert Davis, who researches the health effects of extreme weather events. He said the ozone may cause breathing difficulties, especially for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Davis, who spoke with UVA Today in 2025, when a similar dome rose above Grounds, noted extreme heat generally leads to increases in hospitalizations, doctor visits, mortality and morbidity.

Dr. Chris Holstege has seen those surges in person. The professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics and senior associate vice president of UVA’s Department of Student Health and Wellness warned that anyone can suffer from the heat.

Portrait of Dr. Chris Holstege

Dr. Chris Holstege, professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics and senior associate vice president of UVA’s Department of Student Health and Wellness, says anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, even athletes. (Photo by Erin Edgerton, University Communications)

“I have seen young, healthy people present with heat stroke, not just those who had risk factors for developing the spectrum of heat-related illness,” he said. “Heat-related illness is insidious and can be devastating to the body. Avoiding being outside in such elevated temperatures is the most important prevention effort.”

UVA officials suggest some easy ways to stay safer in the heat, including drinking water throughout the day while limiting alcohol and caffeine intake; dressing in lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing; and taking shade breaks when working or playing outside.

Knowing the signs of heat sickness is also important.

“The most important aspect is to get a person who is experiencing signs of a heat-related illness into a cool environment,” Holstege said. “Early signs can involve such complaints as muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches and passing out. Altered mental status (confusion) should prompt immediate evaluation in the emergency department.”

Media Contacts

Bryan McKenzie

Assistant Editor, UVA Today Office of University Communications

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