By Hannah Gard and Haley Brink, CNN Meteorologists

Updated 4:58 PM ET, Fri July 23, 2021

What is a heat dome?01:10

(CNN)A barrage of heat waves have plagued the US this summer and more above-average temperatures are on the way next week, affecting more of the country than those before it.Although not as extreme as the past few heat spells, this one will span from coast to coast due to a strong heat dome elevating temperatures even higher during the hottest time of the year. The epicenter of the heat will build across the northern and central Plains — a region that has largely escaped the relentless, record-breaking heat the past few months.

The West’s historic drought in 3 mapsA broad ridge of high pressure will expand over much of the country by the beginning of next week bringing with it potentially record high temperatures to the Plains. Most…