US Heat Wave Map 2026: Live Heat Alerts by State
Published: · Updated:
By Rachel Mercer · Western Water Policy Editor
This map shows which US states currently have an active heat alert from the National Weather Service, coloured by severity. Unlike the static news graphics that circulate during a heat wave, it is driven by the official live NWS feed and refreshes hourly. 9 states have an active heat alert as of the last refresh. Click any state to open its cooling-center guide.
Data: National Weather Service (weather.gov). As of July 3, 2026 at 11:52 PM EDT. Alerts update continuously and this map refreshes hourly, so always check weather.gov for the latest.
States under an active heat alert right now
- ArkansasHeat Advisory: Heat Advisory issued July 3 at 4:11PM CDT until July 4 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Little Rock AR
- IndianaHeat Advisory: Heat Advisory issued July 3 at 9:09PM EDT until July 4 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Louisville KY
- KansasHeat Warning: Extreme Heat Warning issued July 3 at 2:24PM CDT until July 4 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
- KentuckyHeat Warning: Extreme Heat Warning issued July 3 at 7:59PM EDT until July 4 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Jackson KY
- MissouriHeat Warning: Extreme Heat Warning issued July 3 at 2:24PM CDT until July 4 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
- New HampshireHeat Advisory: Heat Advisory issued July 3 at 8:01PM EDT until July 4 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Gray ME
- OhioHeat Advisory: Heat Advisory issued July 3 at 8:05PM EDT until July 4 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
- OklahomaHeat Advisory: Heat Advisory issued July 3 at 8:40PM CDT until July 4 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX
- TexasHeat Advisory: Heat Advisory issued July 3 at 8:40PM CDT until July 4 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX
What the alert levels mean
- Extreme / Excessive Heat Warning (red): dangerous heat is happening or imminent and is a threat to life. Take it seriously and get to air conditioning.
- Heat Advisory (orange): heat that is uncomfortable and risky, especially for older adults, young children, and people without AC.
- Excessive / Extreme Heat Watch (orange): dangerous heat is possible in the next day or two. A good time to prepare.
These definitions are set by the National Weather Service. For the official current danger level in your area, see the NWS HeatRisk map.
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Which states have heat warnings right now?
The map and the list below it show the states currently under an active National Weather Service heat alert, coloured by severity, refreshed hourly from the official NWS feed. For live, to-the-minute detail, check weather.gov.
What is the difference between a heat warning and a heat advisory?
An Extreme or Excessive Heat Warning is the most serious level, issued when dangerous heat is happening or imminent and poses a threat to life. A Heat Advisory is one step below, for heat that is uncomfortable and risky for vulnerable people but less extreme. A Watch means dangerous heat is possible in the coming days. Definitions are set by the National Weather Service (weather.gov).
How often does this map update?
The map refreshes hourly from the National Weather Service active-alerts feed and shows the status as of the timestamp above the map. NWS alerts themselves update continuously, so always confirm current conditions at weather.gov.
Where can I find a cooling center near me?
Click your state on the map, or dial 2-1-1 (free, 24/7) for cooling centers active right now. Public libraries are the most reliable free, air-conditioned option year-round.
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