Blistering Heat Grips the Eastern U.S.

Dangerous heat will be found across much of the eastern half of the nation, from the Midwest into the Mid-Atlantic and north into New England, early this week.

An expansive area of high pressure, known as a heat dome, is centered over the Appalachians and will not move much early this week. This feature will cause heat to continue over the East on Tuesday. Places in the Mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley, and Northeast will see record highs broken and heat indices easily surpass 100 degrees on Tuesday. The peak of the heat wave will be Tuesday, when 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 were broken in parts of the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Ohio Valley, and the Great Lakes today. Philadelphia reached a forecast high of 99 degrees which broke its record high of 98 degrees set last year. A couple of hundred miles or so to the north, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. saw its record high of 94 degrees set in 1955 smashed by a high of 97 degrees. Mount Pocono, Pa., topped out at 93 degrees today, setting an all time June record. The previous all-time June record was 92 degrees, set in 1914, 1933, and 1952.

In the Mid-Atlantic, Hagerstown, Md. reached a high of 98 degrees which tied its record set in 2010. Wallops Island, Va., reached a blistering 97 degrees, which broke their record high of 96 degrees set in 2010.

The heat dome will gradually shift to the southwest on Wednesday, which will allow a cold front to approach the Ohio Valley to Northeast. As a result, temperatures will be a couple of degrees lower on Wednesday, with temperature readings in the upper 80s to mid 90s still likely, and heat indices in the 90s to around 100 degrees. 

The Mid-Atlantic to Carolinas will continue to broil from the oppressive heat and humidity on Wednesday and Thursday as high pressure remains centered to the southwest. This will result in a fairly stagnant, summer pattern with daily highs in the low to mid 90s, with heat indices of 100 to 107 degrees.

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.