Early-season heat spreads to central US, raising health and wildfire risks, AccuWeather says

May 13, 2026 - 00:11

An unseasonable blast of heat is expanding eastward across the central United States this week, prompting warnings about elevated health risks, higher energy use, and a growing threat of wildfires. Meteorologists say the early-season warm spell is building over the Plains and will push into the Midwest, bringing temperatures well above normal for this time of year.

The heat is expected to linger for several days, with daytime highs climbing into the 90s in some areas that typically see milder spring weather. The combination of dry conditions and gusty winds is raising concerns about fire danger, especially across the southern Plains and into parts of the Mississippi Valley. Officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning and to stay hydrated as the heat intensifies.

Energy grids may also face strain as demand for cooling rises. The sudden spike in temperatures so early in the season can catch people off guard, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses like exhaustion and heat stroke. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those without air conditioning, are especially at risk.

The heat wave is part of a larger weather pattern that has already brought record-breaking temperatures to parts of the Southwest. As the system shifts east, communities from Kansas to Illinois are bracing for what could be one of the hottest stretches of weather so early in the year.