A significant surge of record-breaking humidity and heat is currently impacting the United States, with predictions indicating that approximately 265 million people will experience temperatures soaring into the 90s and even reaching the 100-degree mark during the upcoming week. This intense weather event is characterized by humidity levels that are comparable to those found in the Middle East, creating a potentially hazardous situation across many regions.
The combination of extreme heat and high humidity poses serious health risks, particularly as night-time temperatures are expected to remain uncomfortably warm, lingering in the mid-70s to near 80 degrees in several central and eastern states. On Saturday, areas such as Denver recorded a sweltering 98 degrees, Nashville reached 97 degrees, and Chicago hit 94 degrees. Notably, Minneapolis experienced a temperature that didn't dip below 90 degrees until 1 a.m. on Sunday, following a Saturday high of 96 degrees. In Green Bay, a June humidity record was tied with a dew point of 76 degrees, a figure more typical of Florida than the Midwest.
The most extreme weather conditions are expected to affect the Plains and Midwest on Sunday, with predictions of triple-digit temperatures set to impact major East Coast cities over the following days. As of early Sunday, over 1,000 counties across the nation, from Nebraska to Maine, are under heat advisories or warnings.
Forecasters anticipate that hundreds of record-breaking temperatures will occur throughout the country this week, particularly on Tuesday when the highest number of records may be set. The forecasted conditions significantly elevate the risk for heat-related illnesses, posing serious concerns for individuals without access to air conditioning, those working outdoors, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, as well as pets and other animals.
Here's a detailed daily overview of the anticipated heat and humidity conditions:
SundayRecord-high morning temperatures are forecasted from Kansas to Connecticut. Afternoon highs are expected to soar into the 90s across the Plains, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions, including Washington, D.C. Cities likely to tie or break high-temperature records include Sioux Falls, South Dakota (projected high of 101 degrees), Minneapolis (98 degrees), Hartford, Connecticut (95 degrees), and Green Bay (94 degrees). Extremely high humidity levels will also spread across the Tennessee and Ohio valleys, reaching into the Great Lakes and southern Canada, with the Northeast feeling the effects by evening.
MondayOn Monday, millions in the Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic will wake up to another day of record-setting morning temperatures. Afternoon highs could reach 100 degrees from the Carolinas to Massachusetts, particularly in urban centers like Charlotte and Raleigh in North Carolina, as well as Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York. The Eastern Seaboard will experience very humid conditions, with dew points likely to break June records.
TuesdayTuesday is expected to be the hottest day, with numerous temperature records likely to be set. Highs could exceed 100 degrees from near Boston down to Atlanta. Washington, D.C., may approach its all-time June high of 104 degrees set in 2012. Other cities forecasted to reach or surpass 100 degrees include Atlanta, Macon, and Augusta in Georgia; Columbia in South Carolina; and various cities across Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
WednesdayOn Wednesday, the intense heat is projected to persist, with triple-digit temperatures possible from New York down to the Florida Panhandle. However, scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms may provide some temporary relief from the heat.
ThursdayBy Thursday, while the heat and humidity will continue in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and central states, the extent of 100-degree temperatures may diminish due to afternoon cloud cover and potential thunderstorms.
Several East Coast cities might experience consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, potentially setting new June monthly records. Critical statistics that could be tied or broken include:
Washington, D.C.: Current record of consecutive June days at or above 100 degrees is two; monthly record high is 104 degrees; overnight record high is 82 degrees.Baltimore: Record of one consecutive day at or above 100 degrees.Philadelphia: Current records include two consecutive days at or above 100 degrees and a monthly high of 102 degrees.New York: Last recorded 100-degree day in June was in 1966; current monthly record high is 101 degrees; overnight high record is 81 degrees.The extreme heat dome causing these conditions is expected to weaken towards the end of the week. However, waves of above-average temperatures and humidity are likely to persist into July, maintaining the risk for heat-related health issues across the affected regions.
