Extreme Heat and Deadly Storms in Midwest, Plains, and Florida: Overview of June 2025 Weather Crisis
The East is at present seeing very large high pressure which is not only of great heat but also a cause of severe thunderstorms and deadly storms in the Midwest, Plains and Florida. This intense weather pattern has reported many deaths, wide spread power outages and large scale damage over a 3 day period.
Extreme Heat and Severe Storms in the Eastern and Central U.S.
A great pressure system is affecting the East part of the country which is seeing record breaking temps and oppressive humidity. Tens of millions are under heat warnings, in many areas we are seeing heat indices break the hundred degree mark. This heat wave is to last at least into June 24 which will produce life threatening conditions from the Midwest to the Northeast..
The heat wave also causes what is called a “ring of fire” which is a weather phenomenon of thunderstorms forming in a clockwise pattern around the high pressure system. This pattern has reported large scale severe thunderstorms which extend from the Central Plains to the Great Lakes which in turn put almost 20 million people at risk of dangerous weather including damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes..
Devastating Derecho Wind Event Sweeps Midwest Causing Widespread Damage and Power Outages
In June 21 a powerful derecho swept through the northern Great Plains and Upper Midwest which saw sustained winds and wind gusts over 100 mph. In Bemidji, Minnesota the wind gust hit 106 mph and in eastern North Dakota they reported gusts between 75 and 99 mph. That intense storm brought wide scale damage which left almost 23,000 utility customers in North Dakota and Minnesota without power even 48 hours after the event..
The National Weather Service reported this event to be a derecho a type of storm which is long lasting and wide spread which also brings with it straight line winds. The storm left a trail of destruction which spanned over 600 miles from southeastern Montana through the upper Great Lakes, also at its widest it covered almost the entire state of North Dakota. The extent and intensity of the storm has prompted in depth surveys to tell apart damage done by the straight line winds from that which was done by tornadoes.
Farmers and in which they live in the affected areas are reporting great losses which include damaged grain bins, irrigation systems and farming equipment which in turn is compounding the issues of the upcoming harvest season.
Deadly Tornado Strikes New York and Severe Storm Injuries in Pennsylvania
In Central New York an EF-1 tornado hit near Clark Mills early June 22 which killed three when it fell trees on homes. The tornado which had peak winds of 105 mph destroyed many homes and caused severe damage to others. The victims were two 6 year old twins and a 50 year old woman. The storm also left tens of thousands without power and caused some local school districts to close temporarily.
Meanwhile in Pennsylvania also at the same time a lightning strike in Duryea injured a 27 year old man and a 13 year old boy which had been working on a derby car. These events which happened at the same time as the heat wave and storm system also put into the picture the large scale of the weather related issues we are seeing.
Florida Lightning Strikes and Storm Injuries Highlight Severe Summer Weather Risks
Florida also has been very affected by severe weather which mostly includes lightning during summer storms. In June 21st three people were injured by lightning in New Smyrna Beach which included a 29 year old man from Colorado who died while standing in a little over waist high water at the beach during a thunderstorm. At the same time that the sun was out as reported by witnesses, thunderstorms were developing in the area which is a display of the unpredictable and deadly aspect of lightning hazards.
Also on June 21 and June 23 there were more lightning related injuries in different areas of Florida which included a diner in Navarre Beach that was struck and also reports of injury on the Gulf Coast. Also it is reported that when thunder is heard people should go to fully enclosed structures at once to avoid lightning injury..
Other Storm-Related Fatalities and Rescue Efforts in New York and Lake Michigan
In other tragic weather related incidents this past June we had a report of a death in Clinton, New York when a very large tree fell on a moving car which took place on June 20. Also that same weekend reports came in of many rescue efforts on Lake Michigan when stormy conditions made the water very dangerous on June 21. One woman died after rescue teams pulled her from the lake, also another person is still reported missing and also there were several other injuries. .
Preparing for Extended Heat Wave and Severe Storm Conditions: Safety Tips
A historic heat wave which has joined forces with severe thunderstorms puts at risk millions in the U.S. Also the National Weather Service and local authorities are calling on citizens to be aware of heat warnings and severe weather alerts, take action to prevent heat related health issues and go to safe shelter at once during thunder storms.
Key safety tips include: Key safety measures are to:.
- Staying hydrated and to avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
- Identifying the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- At the first sound of thunder heading indoors to avoid lightning.
- Secure outdoor items that which may turn into projectiles in high wind.
- Stocking up on emergency supplies in case of power outages.
This present weather trend is to continue which will see large sections of the country in the grip of what may be record breaking temperatures and very severe storms for some days to come. Stay tuned to the National Weather Service and local reports to keep yourself safe during this turbulent time.
Summary: Extreme Heat and Deadly Storms Impacting Midwest, Plains, and Florida in June 2025
This in depth report which reports that at present we are seeing an increase in severity of weather in the East and Central U.S. which in turn is bringing about deadly storms, destructive winds, and tragic losses. In the Midwest we have the ongoing derecho, in New York we see the tornadoes, and in Florida the lightning incidents which are but a few examples of the large scale impact of this extreme weather event.
Some References
- National Weather Service Binghamton, NY — Detailed report on the EF-1 tornado near Clark Mills, New York, including fatalities and damage assessment.
Source: National Weather Service Binghamton Severe Storms June 22, 20251 - Storm Prediction Center (SPC) — Real-time severe weather reports and risk outlooks covering the Central Plains to Great Lakes region, including derecho events and severe thunderstorm risks.
Source: SPC Severe Weather Reports June 2025 3
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