The sweltering heat felt in the western US is moving northeast dangerously high temperatures putting millions of Americans at risk. The National Weather Service warned of the threat on Monday heat dome “The temperature could cross the century mark” as it is expected to break records in several cities.
The National Weather Service says this will be the first significant heat wave of the season, with “the hottest temperatures of the summer” hitting the Midwest, Great Lakes, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. In some areas, temperatures will be so intense that “the expected longevity of the dangerous heat… has not been experienced for decades.”
An “extreme” level four risk is forecast for cities in Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts, the agency says, meaning “rare and/or prolonged extreme heat with little to no nighttime lighting.” At this level, the National Weather Service says anyone without effective cooling or proper hydration is at risk. Maryland and Washington DC are expected to be at “high” risk.
Large cities may experience higher temperatures than surrounding areas due to climate change heat island effect, This endangers many who do not have access to shade or cooling systems.
National weather service HeatRisk
CBS News senior weather producer David Parkinson said that “hot hot heat is the name of the game this week.”
Chicago will reach peak heat on Monday with an actual temperature of 97 degrees Fahrenheit, while Cleveland, Ohio and Rochester, New York are expected to tie records of 94 degrees Fahrenheit, he said. At least 24 other records are expected to be broken on Tuesday, including in Vermont, New York and Washington, D.C., while another three dozen are expected to be broken on Wednesday.
At least 265 million people will be exposed to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit this week, Parkinson said, a temperature threshold that could be dangerous and lead to heat-related illnesses. Parkinson said 22 million people will be exposed to temperatures above 100 degrees.
These maps show what is expected in the region.
Temperature forecast Tuesday
National Digital Forecast Database
NWS forecasters expect much of the Great Lakes, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio, as well as surrounding states, to experience “major” and “extreme” heat risks on Tuesday, leaving those without adequate hydration and cooling systems susceptible are heat-related illnesses.
Temperature forecast for Wednesday
National Digital Forecast Database
On Wednesday, the National Weather Service predicts temperatures of at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit will occur across virtually all of the eastern U.S. and much of the southern and central U.S. In some smaller areas, temperatures will reach triple digits in the northeast and southwest.
“Temperatures could cross the century mark in some locations across inland New England on Wednesday afternoon, breaking daily records in certain locations,” the National Weather Service said. “Critical fire danger conditions are expected in the Four Corners region today under persistently dry conditions, fueled by gusty winds with the approach of the sharp front.”
Thursday temperature forecast
National Digital Forecast Database
Thursday is expected to be one of the worst days for New England, with even Maine seeing temperatures in the low 90s. Temperatures in Boston will creep toward triple digits, while temperatures in New Hampshire are expected to exceed 100ºF. Little relief from temperatures is expected in many places overnight, including New York, where forecasters say lows will be in the mid-70s.
Even in areas where temperatures don’t rise high enough to warrant an advisory, New York forecasters say heat index values will be high enough to “require caution.”
