Heat dome piling up over 24 states, with dangerous conditions for up to 200 million people

A sprawling heat dome will unleash days of dangerously high temperatures and steamy humidity from the Midwest to the East, affecting up to 200 million Americans.

According to AccuWeather, the heat dome will develop, strengthen and grow in size over much of the central United States for an extended period through the Independence Day weekend, and then will likely expand into parts of the East for several days. 

At its full extent, dangerous conditions will affect more than two dozen states.

Highs near 100 will be common in areas where the normal daily high is 90 or less this time of year. Another significant factor will be the lack of cooling relief overnight. Some locations will stay at 80 or warmer all night long.

As dew points climb, perspiration evaporates more slowly, making it harder for the body to cool itself. Prolonged periods of heat and humidity increase the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

For more detailed information about the approaching heat dome, click here to the original Accuweather report.