As summer approaches, the United States braces itself for a scorching heat wave and heightened wildfire risks, while the first tropical depression of the Atlantic hurricane season looms. The eastern half of the country has already experienced a taste of the heat, but it is just the beginning of what's to come.

A powerful heat dome is set to build over the East, expanding to reach the Midwest and Great Lakes in the coming days. This heat dome is expected to trap and intensify the hot air, leading to temperatures that surpass even the hottest summer days. Hundreds of temperature records could potentially be shattered by the end of next week, with temperatures spiking around 15 to 20 degrees above normal, and at times even reaching 25 degrees above normal.

The prolonged heatwave will engulf a significant portion of the eastern US, subjecting tens of millions of people to sweltering conditions not typically experienced for such extended periods. Nighttime relief from the scorching temperatures will be limited, with overnight lows predicted to remain in the low 70s or upper 60s in many areas – yet another symptom of a warming world.

Adding to the already dangerous conditions, high humidity levels will contribute to the heat index, making the temperatures feel even hotter for individuals. Heat index values in the low 100s are possible in parts of the East, including as far north as Maine. The National Weather Service and CDC warn that extreme heat poses significant health risks, with heat-related illnesses expected to reach extreme levels next week.

Simultaneously, the Atlantic hurricane season appears poised to awaken. There are two short-term risk areas, including one in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, that could potentially give rise to the first tropical system of the season. The presence of a Central American gyre, characterized by a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms, is creating favorable conditions for tropical development in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and even the eastern Pacific Ocean. The National Hurricane Center has identified a medium chance of a tropical depression forming in the Bay of Campeche.

While the potential tropical depression may bring much-needed rainfall to Mexico, it also raises flood risks along the Gulf Coast, particularly in areas that have already been saturated by spring rains. Multiple days of rain are forecasted for the Gulf Coast from Texas to Alabama, starting Sunday and continuing throughout the week.

Meanwhile, the relentless heat and dry conditions of recent weeks have resulted in an increasing number of wildfires across the western region of the country. The National Interagency Fire Center reports a gradual increase in fire activity, with several large fires already burning. The hot and dry conditions have dried out wildfire fuels such as grass and plants, making them highly susceptible to ignition and rapid spread.

Winds are expected to pick up in the western region later this weekend and early next week, further exacerbating the wildfire risks. Breezy conditions could pose a challenge for firefighters battling the Rose Fire in Arizona, which has already destroyed multiple structures and vehicles.

As summer officially arrives, the US finds itself battling extreme heat, escalating wildfire threats, and the potential formation of a tropical depression. It serves as a stark reminder of the growing impact of climate change and the urgent need for long-term solutions to combat its effects.