Intense, Record-Heat Forecast Across Eastern U.S.

Dangerous, record-shattering heat will bud across much of the nation, particularly across parts of the central Plains to Upper Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic to New England through early next week.

Large high pressure anchored over the Mississippi Valley will cause heat to build eastward over the next several days. Places in the Mid-Atlantic will see record highs broken and heat indices will easily surpass 100 degrees early in the new workweek. The peak of the heat wave will be on Monday and Tuesday where dangerous, even life-threatening heat indices topping 110 degrees will be observed in many locations.

Widespread Heat Advisories, Extreme Heat Warnings, and Extreme Heat Watches remain in effect from northeastern Colorado and the north-central Plains to the Mississippi Valley, Deep South, and as far east as New York State and New England through Tuesday. Portland, Maine, Manchester and Concord, N.H., Boston to Springfield, Mass., Providence, R.I., Hartford, Conn., New York City and Albany to Buffalo, N.Y., Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, Indianapolis, Chicago, the Twin Cities, Omaha, Neb., St. Louis and Kansas City, Mo., Memphis, Tenn., Little Rock, Ark., Shreveport, La., and Jackson, Miss., are included.

Record highs will be common in parts of the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Ohio Valley, and the Great Lakes. Given Monday and Tuesday will be the peak of the heat wave, a few locations will rival record heat then. Allentown, Pa., with a forecast high of 99 degrees, is expected to break its record high of 96 set last in 2024. Several hundred miles farther north, Albany, N.Y. will see its record high of 96 degrees set in 1888, challenged or broken by a forecast high of 97 degrees. 

In the Mid-Atlantic, Washington D.C.'s forecast high of 100 degrees on Monday will break or challenge its previous record of 99 degrees set last year. Baltimore's forecast high is also expected to be 100 degrees, which would break their record high of 98 degrees also set last year. 

Farther west, Columbus, Ohio, forecast of 96 degrees is expected to tie their record set in 1948. Finally, Athens, Ohio, with a record high of 98 degrees, set last in 1988, will be threatened by a forecast high of 97 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.