A blistering heat wave is about to descend upon the Northeast and Midwest, bringing dangerous temperatures that could smash dozens of records and leave much of the eastern U.S. sweltering through the hottest days of the year. From the Mississippi Valley to the Northeast, here’s everything you need to know to prepare for this heat blast.
The Heatwave: A Nationwide Bake
If you're in the central or eastern U.S., expect widespread highs in the 90s, and some areas may even breach the 100-degree mark. This extreme weather is expected to stretch from the Plains to the Northeast, creating a truly sizzling stretch that will last through much of next week.
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Extreme Heat Alerts in Effect: The National Weather Service has already issued extreme heat warnings for the central U.S. and parts of the Midwest, signaling that the dangerous conditions are imminent. The highest alert, now dubbed extreme heat watches and warnings, is indicating a surge in heat-related illnesses. Cities like Minneapolis and Omaha are already gearing up for this dangerously hot spell. If you're in these areas, it's time to be on high alert.
When the Heat Hits and How Long It Lasts
This heat is sticking around for several days. Here's the timeline for when to expect the worst:
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Plains: Highs will reach dangerous levels until Sunday.
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Mississippi Valley: Start seeing temperatures skyrocket on Friday, lasting through the weekend. But expect the heat to stick around into next week in parts of the mid-Mississippi Valley.
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Midwest: It’s going to get toasty beginning Saturday, but don’t expect relief until Tuesday in the northern Great Lakes. Cities in the Ohio Valley will feel the burn through next week.
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Northeast: The heat ramps up Sunday, and some areas might get a brief respite by mid-week. But in the Mid-Atlantic and Appalachians, it could last well into next week.
How Hot Will It Get? The Numbers You Need to Know
From coast to coast, the U.S. is gearing up for one of its hottest spells yet. Here’s what to expect:
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Highs in the 90s: A wide stretch of the country, especially east of the Rockies, will see temperatures climb into the 90s.
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Breaking Records: Many areas, particularly in the Northeast, could approach or surpass record highs. Cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., may flirt with the 100-degree mark, especially between Sunday and Tuesday.
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Chasing 100: New York City hasn’t hit 100°F since 2012, and Philadelphia hasn’t seen a 100°F day in June since 1994. But both could break those streaks this week as the heat intensifies.
Humidity to Make It Feel Even Hotter
This heat comes with a bonus: oppressive humidity. This isn’t just about hot air—it’s about sticky air that will make you feel like you're walking through a sauna.
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The Heat Index: For many cities, the “feels-like” temperature will soar into the triple digits. From the mid-Mississippi to the Ohio Valley, the combination of heat and humidity will leave little room for relief.
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No Relief at Night: Even overnight temperatures won’t provide much of a break, with muggy, uncomfortable conditions lingering well after the sun sets.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
This intense heat is no joke. Heat is one of the deadliest weather phenomena in the U.S., and this wave could bring serious risks. Here’s how to stay safe:
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Look After the Vulnerable: If you know anyone without access to air conditioning—particularly the elderly or those with chronic health conditions—check in on them frequently.
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Limit Outdoor Exposure: If possible, stay indoors during the hottest part of the day (typically between noon and 4 p.m.). If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, stay hydrated, and wear light, loose clothing.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. The combination of heat and humidity can quickly lead to dehydration.
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Watch for Heat-Related Illnesses: Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can happen quickly. Know the signs—heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, and confusion—and seek immediate help if you or someone else shows symptoms.
Final Thoughts: Stay Cool and Prepared
This heat wave is no small matter. If you live in the affected areas, it’s crucial to take precautions and stay informed. Make sure your air conditioning is working, have fans and cool towels on hand, and monitor your local weather for updates. And remember, if you don’t need to be outside during the hottest hours, avoid it altogether. Keep an eye on your loved ones, especially the elderly, and don’t let the summer heat take a toll on your health.
Stay safe, stay cool, and be prepared for a hot summer ahead!