Heat Alerts Across 20 States as Summer Sizzles On

People navigating the city during extreme heat, seeking cool refuge.

News Summary

Portions of 20 states, including the Ohio Valley and Deep South, are under heat alerts with temperatures nearing 100°F. About 125 million people are affected by the extreme heat, prompting safety precautions. Although a cold front may offer some relief next week, high summer temperatures are expected to persist. Major cities like Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C. forecast highs in the 90s, with record-setting temperatures already being reported in parts of the Northeast. Officials are activating cooling stations to help residents stay safe amidst the heatwave.

Heat Alerts Across 20 States as Summer Sizzles On

It’s that time of year again when the sun really takes charge! Right now, portions of 20 states from the Ohio Valley to the Deep South, and the Carolinas to southern New England are under heat alerts. With high temperatures soaring into the 90s and nearly hitting 100 degrees Fahrenheit, about 125 million people are feeling the heat from the Mississippi Valley all the way to the East Coast!

Relief is Coming, but Not Quite Yet!

Although it’s a bit of a scorcher right now, good news is on the horizon! A cold front is sneaking down through the Great Lakes and New England. This, along with the heat dome gradually fading, is set to lessen the extreme heat in some areas. They say that by next week, things will start to cool off a bit. However, typical summer heat isn’t going anywhere, so prepare for it to stick around for a while longer!

Watch Out for Heat Risks!

It’s important to pay attention to the heat index, as large sections of the eastern U.S. are facing a Level 4 out of 4 extreme heat risk. This situation is particularly concerning in the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic. Being about 10 to 15 degrees above average, Wednesday’s temperatures might just reel in a blistering record.

City Forecasts: What to Expect!

Curious about what’s brewing in your city’s forecast? Here’s a quick roundup:

Boston: Expect around 90 degrees on Wednesday, but this is a drop from a record-smashing 102 degrees earlier this week. Thankfully, cooler weather is on the way with highs in the 60s for Thursday and Friday.
New York: Hold onto your hats because highs in the 90s are here for Wednesday! The temperatures will be taking a little vacation into the 70s Thursday and Friday, with an 80s comeback over the weekend.
Washington, D.C.: It’s going to be steamy, with upper 90s on Wednesday and mid-90s on Thursday, plus a chance of relaxing showers. The weekend looks a bit warmer, flirting with the 90-degree mark again!
Raleigh, North Carolina: Get ready for near-record highs of 100 degrees on Wednesday, with thermometers skyrocketing into the upper 90s on Thursday—all with heat indexes around 110!
Columbus, Ohio: Wednesday is looking like mid-90s with a heat index sneaking up near 105. Cooler temps on Thursday and Friday will still keep it in the low 90s.
Nashville: Talk about sizzling! Highs around 100 degrees are expected on Wednesday and Thursday, with heat indexes around 110 as well. Expect the mid to upper 90s as the weekend draws near.

Record-Setting Heat Wave

This heat wave has already set some impressive records across the Northeast, including remarkable temperatures of 102 degrees in North Hartland, Vermont, 103 degrees in Newark, New Jersey, and a scorching 105 degrees in downtown Baltimore! Areas like John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York have also reported temperatures hitting 102 degrees! Just this past week, over 600 high-temperature records and more than 1,200 warm low-temperature records were broken.

Stay Cool and Stay Safe!

For those in areas under heat alerts, officials have opened cooling stations in the Ohio Valley to help everyone stay safe. These include places like the House to Home shelter in Parkersburg, open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and other local churches making their buildings a refuge from the blazing heat.

With temperatures rising, it’s crucial to remember some safety tips to prevent heat-related illnesses. Drink plenty of water, wear light clothing, and take regular breaks if you’re going outdoors. Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and most importantly, never leave children or pets inside vehicles, as car interiors can become dangerously hot even on mild days.

So, stay safe and cool as we navigate this sizzling summer!