The dry and hot conditions are fueling early-season wildfires in Minnesota, prompting Governor Tim Walz to call in the National Guard for assistance.

The summer of 2025 is anticipated to be one of the hottest on record in the United States, compounding existing trends of extreme weather.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), only far northern Alaska may escape the unusually warm temperatures forecasted from June through August.

Extreme heat has already begun affecting parts of the country, with temperatures in International Falls, Minnesota, reaching the 90s in early May, marking a record early occurrence.

Experts warn that excessive heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the US, with a significant rise in heat-related fatalities since 1999.

Vulnerable populations, including migrants and prisoners, face compounded risks from rising temperatures and inadequate cooling measures.

Local governments in heat-prone areas are taking initiatives to combat extreme heat, such as enacting regulations and increasing public communications on safety measures.

In Texas, cuts have left the Houston office of the National Weather Service critically understaffed, coinciding with record-setting heat and an impending busy hurricane season.

Federal science agencies like NOAA are operating at reduced capacity due to staff cuts, leading to diminished public outreach regarding extreme weather.

Concerns are growing over cuts to federal agencies during the Trump administration, which are believed to hinder disaster preparedness and response efforts.

A NOAA update reports that a lack of spring precipitation and high temperatures are causing rapid snowmelt in the western US, raising the risk of drought and wildfires.

The psychological effects of extreme heat include impaired cognitive functions and increased difficulties in decision-making and emotional regulation.