Unrelenting heat and humidity will continue across the Plains to the East today.
An upper-level ridge of high pressure will remain in place over the southern U.S., allowing plenty of heat and humidity to surge across the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. Temperatures 10-15 degrees above normal will be felt from the southern Plains to the Northeast.
When this heat is combined with the high humidity that remains in place, heat indices of 100 to 110 degrees will be common for many. In fact, some places could see the heat index surpass 115 degrees!
A few record highs were set on Tuesday. Boston broke the record of 97 degrees set in 1933 when the temperature peaked at 99 degrees. Philadelphia and Atlantic City, N.J. tied their daily records of 98 degrees. Meanwhile, Tampa and Orlando fell just short of their record highs for the day, with observed highs of 96 and 98 degrees, respectively.
Additional records will be challenged today. Baltimore will approach their record of 98 degrees set in 2019. Philadelphia will also challenge their record of 98 degrees set in 1988. Washington's Dulles International Airport will approach the record of 98 degrees set in 1988.
Excessive Heat Warnings are found across the Mississippi River and western Ohio River valleys, as well as across parts of southeastern Ohio, northeastern Kentucky, and West Virginia. Heat Advisories blanket many areas from the central and southern Plains through the Deep South, Ohio Valley, and Southeast. These advisories are also found across eastern North Carolina, much of the Mid-Atlantic, and into New England.
If you are getting weary of the heat, the good news is that some relief is in site. A cold front will drop southward across the Midwest and eventually across the Northeast, Southeast, and Deep South later this week. Behind this cold front, refreshingly cooler weather will spread over much of the eastern two-thirds of the nation by this weekend.
If you must go outdoors, prepare by staying hydrated and keep a watchful eye for any signs of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Wear the right clothing, such as loose-fitting, lightweight and breathable fabrics, and take many breaks within a cool and shaded area.
Make sure to take extra precautions for children and the elderly as they are more susceptible to heat-related illness. Never leave children or animals alone in a locked vehicle as it can become dangerous and potentially fatal. Do not forget to download the WeatherBug app to stay up to date on the latest for this dangerous western heatwave.