As summer officially kicks off on Friday, a formidable heat wave is poised to sweep across the central United States before extending its sweltering reach eastward. Forecasters are warning of the hottest temperatures of the year so far, coupled with uncomfortably muggy conditions, particularly for the Midwest and Northeast.
The heat’s arrival will be staggered, beginning in the Plains states on Thursday. By Friday, the Mississippi Valley will start to feel the effects, with the rest of the Midwest and the Northeast bracing for the intense warmth by the weekend.
Temperatures are expected to soar, with widespread highs in the 90s anticipated across much of the country east of the Rockies, excluding only the far northern tier. Several locations, especially in the Great Lakes and interior Northeast, have yet to hit the 90-degree mark this year, making this upcoming heat wave a significant shift.
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A few spots could even approach or exceed 100 degrees. Denver, which typically sees such extreme heat only twice a year on average, is among them. Both New York City and Philadelphia could also flirt with the century mark during the peak of the heat wave next week. New York’s Central Park, for instance, hasn’t reached 100 degrees since July 18, 2012.
Compounding the intense heat will be oppressive humidity, making for dangerously high “feels-like” temperatures.
This will be particularly pronounced in the mid-Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, extending into the upper Mississippi Valley, Great Lakes, and parts of the Mid-Atlantic and interior Northeast. The combination of heat and humidity is expected to push the heat index into the triple digits for several cities across the Midwest and Northeast from this weekend into early next week.
The duration of this heat event will vary by region. The Plains should experience some relief by next Monday, with most of the Mississippi Valley seeing a reprieve by next Tuesday. The rest of the Midwest may find relief by next Wednesday, but the East could endure the scorching temperatures for much of next week.
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Authorities are urging the public to take precautions as heat is a leading weather-related killer in the U.S. The combination of sustained heat and humidity, especially lingering into the night, poses a significant risk for those without access to air conditioning, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
Residents are advised to check on family, friends, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses who may not have access to air conditioning. If possible, limit time outdoors during the peak heat of the afternoon. For those who must be outside, frequent breaks, avoiding strenuous activity, increased water intake, and wearing loose, lightweight clothing are strongly recommended.
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