Extreme Weather in July 2025: Thunderstorms, Floods, and Heatwaves Devastate U.S. Northeast and Midwest

In mid-July 2025, the U.S. Northeast and Midwest were battered by a series of severe thunderstorms and flash floods, coinciding with an intense heatwave that affected millions. These concurrent extreme weather events led to significant disruptions, underscoring the escalating impact of climate change on weather patterns across the nation.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Prediction Center issued a Level 3 out of 4 excessive rainfall risk for the Ohio Valley, forecasting storms with rainfall rates of 3 to 4 inches per hour, particularly impacting Missouri and Illinois. Simultaneously, over 50 million people from Kansas to the Carolinas were under heat alerts, with temperature indices between 105°F and 115°F expected in cities like Chicago by midweek.

New York City and New Jersey Flooding

In New York City, severe storms led to flash flooding that inundated subway stations, submerged vehicles, and disrupted airports, highways, and railways. Central Park recorded over 2 inches of rain in one hour, marking the second-highest amount ever for that duration. In Plainfield, New Jersey, two fatalities occurred when a car was swept away by floodwaters.

Kansas City Flash Flooding

Kansas City experienced significant flash flooding, receiving four to six weeks’ worth of normal rainfall within just 12 hours. On July 16 and 17, the city saw over 2 inches of rain on consecutive days—an occurrence that has happened only 12 times in the past 137 years. The July 17 rainfall in Johnson County was described as a "1 in 500 year" event.

Central Ohio Storms

Central Ohio faced repeated severe storms, with the National Weather Service issuing a record number of flash flood warnings nationwide. The Wilmington, Ohio office alone issued 36 warnings this year, including 11 in July. These storms caused flooding in neighborhoods near Buckeye Lake and widespread power outages across northern Franklin and Delaware counties.

Historical Context

The mid-July 2025 events are part of a broader trend of increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather in the region. For instance, in July 2023, multiple rounds of heavy rainfall led to destructive flash floods in the Northeastern United States, particularly affecting New York and Vermont. The floods caused 11 fatalities and at least $2.2 billion in damage. Similarly, in July 2023, the Chicago area experienced significant flooding due to heavy rainfall, resulting in damages estimated at least $500 million.

Climate Change Implications

Scientists attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events to climate change. As the planet warms, the atmosphere can hold more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall during storms. This trend mirrors recent severe weather events in Texas, the Northeast, and New Mexico, where intense storms have had dangerous, even deadly, consequences. A 2025 study by Climate Central found that 126 of 144 U.S. cities examined saw an increase in hourly rainfall intensity from 1970 to 2024. Rainfall rates are now 15% higher on average in those 126 cities compared to 1970. Nearly every region has seen an increase in hourly rainfall rates, with the biggest jumps in cities located in the upper Midwest, Northern Rockies, Plains, and the Ohio Valley.

Infrastructure and Preparedness

The recent events underscore the vulnerability of aging urban infrastructure to extreme weather. In New York City, for example, the subway system, equipped to handle only about 1.75 inches of rain per hour, was overwhelmed by rainfall rates exceeding 4 inches per hour during the storm's peak. This led to significant flooding in subway stations and disrupted services. Researchers are studying the increasing impact of flash floods and the broader concept of "cascading hazards," where one extreme weather event can elevate the risk of others. This investigation has gained urgency as recent severe summer storms delivered intense rainfall across the U.S., causing widespread flooding and necessitating numerous water rescues. The National Weather Service issued a record 3,160 flash flood warnings nationwide through mid-July.

Broader Implications and Future Outlook

The economic and social impacts of increasing extreme weather events are profound. A recent study linked extreme weather events driven by climate change to short-term global food price surges. The research found that climate shocks, such as heatwaves and droughts in regions like Spain, India, Korea, Japan, China, and the U.S., have caused major increases in the prices of staple foods. For instance, olive oil prices in Europe rose by 50%, Indian onion prices by 89%, and California vegetable prices by 80%. These price hikes typically follow weather events within months and are expected to become more frequent as climate change intensifies. The study warns that this volatility can disrupt food systems and contribute to inflation, particularly in developing economies where food makes up a larger share of consumer costs. Additionally, food price spikes can lead to political unrest and disproportionately affect low-income households, who may reduce consumption of nutritious foods. The research suggests that trade patterns, poor policy responses, and speculation can exacerbate these effects, posing challenges for governments and central banks in controlling inflation.

These events highlight the urgent need for enhanced preparedness and infrastructure resilience to mitigate the impacts of climate change-induced extreme weather. As the frequency and intensity of such events continue to rise, proactive measures are essential to protect communities and economies from future disruptions.