NEED TO KNOW
- A “dangerous” heat wave has begun in parts of the United States — and high temperatures are expected to move eastward over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service
- Several major cities will be impacted by the high heat and humidity, including St. Louis, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City and Boston
- “Numerous daily record highs and warm lows are likely,” officials warned
A potentially record-breaking heat wave has begun in parts of the United States and is set to bring triple-digit temperatures.
The “dangerous” heat will expand from Central portions of the United States to the East beginning over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) — and high humidity will make temperatures feel even warmer.
“Summer has taken its time arriving in the Northeast, but it’s coming in HOT,” they warned in one social media post. “Triple-digit heat indices will be common through next week, with oppressive humidity.”
Excessive heat watches and warnings are currently in effect for parts of the Upper Midwest as well as the Northern and Central Plains, “where record high minimums may be reached” on the night of Friday, June 20.
The heat will then shift eastward over the weekend, “leading to potential record temperatures and heat risk concerns next week,” forecasters have warned.
Forecasters with the NWS predict these will be “the hottest temperatures of the season” thus far and added that “numerous daily record highs and warm lows are likely.”
“The magnitude and longevity of this heat wave will be a shock to the system,” added AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill.
Cities impacted by the heat this weekend include Omaha, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis, Detroit, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, according to The Weather Channel.
Cities like Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., may also see temperatures in the 90s (or possibly higher) from Sunday, June 22 through Wednesday, June 25.
It has been nearly 13 years since N.Y.C.’s Central Park last reached 100 degrees, according to the NWS — and Philadelphia hasn’t seen 100-degree temperatures since July 2012, NBC affiliate WCAU reported.
Forecasters warn the heat may be “dangerous to anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration, especially those engaging in lengthy outdoor activities.”
The high heat will also help fuel thunderstorms that will move across the Midwest on Friday and Saturday. Some of the storms will contain strong winds, large hail and even some tornadoes.
Extreme heat can be extremely dangerous, and is considered the “deadliest weather” in the United States, according to the NWS.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The agency has a long list of recommendations to protect oneself during periods of extreme heat, including the use of air conditioners or portable electric fans when possible, eating light, minimizing exposure to the sun, and reducing strenuous activities until cooler parts of the day.
Additionally, the NWS recommends drinking lots of water “even if you don’t feel thirsty” and suggest keeping an eye on children, the elderly and the disabled.
Read the full article here
