Maps show heat wave forecast across U.S. Here's what to know.
CBSJUN 21
Dangerous Heat Wave Grips Eastern US
Above: People rest as temperatures climb in New York City on June 21, 2025. Image copyright: Selcuk Acar/Anadolu/Getty Images
The Spin
Climate activist narrative
Preventing these severe heat waves requires immediate government action and resources. Cities are rightfully opening cooling centers and declaring heat emergencies to protect vulnerable populations, but these heat waves are exacerbated by anthropogenic climate change, meaning we must do more than just mitigate the consequences of human activity and how it's affecting our climate.
Climate-skeptic narrative
The media drums up too much hysteria regarding heat death. Deaths from cold weather are a far bigger killer, but don't grab headlines. A warming climate could reduce the number of deaths from exposure to cold. Tackling climate change is important work, but it's important to remain clear-eyed about the real dangers and focus on the real issues.