Fact Check: June Heatwave Brings Temperatures 20 Degrees Above Normal Across the Midwest
What We Know
In June 2025, a significant heatwave affected the Midwest and parts of the East Coast of the United States, bringing temperatures well above average. Reports indicated that areas such as Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota experienced temperatures around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with forecasts suggesting that temperatures could soar into the 90s and low 100s through the week (source-1). Meteorologists noted that temperatures in New York and New England were expected to be around 20 degrees above average, while the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic regions could see temperatures approximately 15 degrees above normal (source-1).
The National Weather Service issued heat advisories and warnings across much of the Midwest, indicating a high risk of heat-related health impacts (source-2). The heatwave was described as a result of a "heat dome," a high-pressure system that traps hot air, leading to prolonged periods of high temperatures (source-1).
Analysis
The claim that the June heatwave brought temperatures 20 degrees above normal across the Midwest is partially true. While it is accurate that temperatures reached around 100 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the Midwest, the specific claim of 20 degrees above normal is not uniformly applicable across all areas. For instance, while New York and New England were forecasted to experience temperatures 20 degrees above average, the Midwest regions like the Ohio Valley were expected to see increases of about 15 degrees (source-1).
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high, as they include reports from reputable news organizations such as The New York Times and NPR, which provide detailed meteorological insights and health advisories related to the heatwave (source-1, source-2). However, it is important to note that while the overall trend of increased temperatures is supported by multiple reports, the specific figures can vary by region and source.
Conclusion
The claim that the June heatwave brought temperatures 20 degrees above normal across the Midwest is partially true. While some areas did experience significant temperature increases, the extent of the rise varied by location, with some regions reporting increases of around 15 degrees instead. Therefore, while the claim captures the essence of the heatwave's impact, it does not fully represent the nuanced reality across different parts of the Midwest.
Sources
- Dangerous Heat Wave Expands Over Central and Eastern ... (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/22/weather/heat-wave-temperatures.html)
- U.S. braces for first significant heat wave of summer (https://www.npr.org/2025/06/20/nx-s1-5440262/heat-wave-summer-first-humidity)
- U.S. Heat Wave Forecast: When High Temperatures Will ... (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/19/weather/us-heat-wave-midwest-northeast-forecast.html)
- Los 10 mejores hoteles de Málaga (desde € 80) - Booking.com (https://www.booking.com/city/es/malaga.es.html?msockid=1e8ed0ba5ff268c4206ec5635e2b695e)
- Los 30 mejores Hoteles en Málaga - Atrapalo.com - Atrápalo (https://www.atrapalo.com/hoteles/europa/espana/malaga/malaga/)
- Record-setting heat wave headed to central, Midwest and ... (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/record-setting-heat-wave-headed-central-midwest-eastern-us-rcna214064)
- LOS 10 MEJORES hoteles en Málaga (desde 49 €) - Tripadvisor (https://www.tripadvisor.es/Hotels-g187438-Malaga_Costa_del_Sol_Province_of_Malaga_Andalucia-Hotels.html)
- Millions expect to brace for early summer heat wave (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/weather/2025/06/22/millions-expect-to-brace-for-early-summer-heat-wave/84306960007/)
