Blistering Heat Across the Eastern U.S.

Dangerous heat will be found across much of the eastern half of the nation, from the Plains to the Midwest, into the Mid-Atlantic and north into New England, as we begin the new workweek.

A huge bulge of high pressure, sometimes called a heat dome, is centered over the Appalachians and will not move much over the first half of the new week. This feature will cause heat to continue over the East the next several days. Places in the Mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley, and Northeast will see record highs broken and heat indices easily surpass 100 degrees over the next several days. The peak of the heat wave will be today and Tuesday where potentially deadly heat indices topping 110 degrees will be found in many locations.

Widespread Heat Advisories, Extreme Heat Warnings, and Extreme Heat Watches are in effect from the Mississippi Valley and Midwest to New England and the Mid-Atlantic through Tuesday. This includes nearly all of the major cities across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and New England.

Record highs will be destroyed in parts of the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Ohio Valley, and the Great Lakes today. Philadelphia has a forecast high of 99 degrees which would break its record high of 98 set last year. A couple of hundred miles or so to the north, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. will see its record high of 94 degrees set in 1955 smashed by a forecast high of 97 degrees.

In the Mid-Atlantic, Hagerstown, Md. has a forecast high of 98 degrees which would tie its record set in 2010. Baltimore's forecast high is expected to be a blistering 100 degrees, which would break their record high of 98 degrees set last year.

Farther west, Toledo, Ohio has a forecast of 97 degrees is expected to break their record set in 1911. Finally, Parkersburg, W. Va., with a record high of 94 degrees set in 1964, is forecast to be broken with a high of 96 degrees expected.

If you are in one of these areas experiencing unseasonably hot temperatures, it will be important to stay hydrated and cool. Avoid exposure to the sun from late morning into the early evening. Take frequent breaks in the air conditioning or shade. Eat and dress lightly. Use sun protection if outdoors. Never leave kids or pets unattended and remember to “Look Before You Lock!” Recognize the signs of heat-related illness.