Summer's First Heat Wave: Here's What Northeastern States Could See High Temps
States in the Midwest and Northeast will face high temperatures in the coming days during the summer’s first “dangerous” heat wave, according to the National Weather Service.
The heat wave will begin this weekend and last well into next week. (Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty ... More Images)
Getty ImagesAn expanding heat wave hitting the Southwest and Rockies will shift by the weekend to produce “the most oppressive heat of the season to date” from the Midwest to the Northeast this weekend and next week, according to the NWS.
The NWS said extreme heat watches are already in place across much of the Midwest due to triple-digit heat that could be seen this weekend.
The heat wave will begin in Minneapolis, Kansas City, Mo., Des Moines, Iowa, Memphis, Tenn., St. Louis, Milwaukee, Chicago, Indianapolis and Detroit.
The heat wave should reach Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, N.Y., Nashville, Tenn., Atlanta, Charlotte, N.C., Richmond, Va., Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Albany, N.Y.
The heat wave will hit Boston, Hartford, Conn., and Concord, Mass.
Sunny skies, light winds and little overnight cooling will contribute to the heat wave and “significantly increase the danger” of extreme heat, the number one cause of weather-related deaths.
Although the hottest temperatures are expected during the weekend, there is a moderate risk extreme heat will persist into later next week for parts of the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic states and the Carolinas.
: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
Record temperatures. The NWS said several daily record highs and warm lows are likely this weekend into next week. Chicago and Detroit’s daily high temperature records are both 105, while the highest temperature ever observed in New York City is 106.
Much of South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas will feel the heat Friday and are expected to see high 90s and 100-degree temperatures. By Saturday, temperatures in the low 90s are forecast to reach Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Cities with major or extreme heat risks over the weekend include Chicago, Omaha, Neb., Kansas City, Mo., Indianapolis and Louisville, Ky. Those heat risks are forecast for Detroit, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, N.Y., Washington D.C., Richmond, Va., New York City and Albany, N.Y.
2024 was the hottest year on record, with the average land and ocean surface temperatures reaching 2.32 degrees above the 20th-century average, according to NOAA. The World Meteorological Organization said in an outlook there is an 80% chance that at least one year between 2025 and 2029 will be warmer than 2024 as the planet continues to warm.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported an above-average temperature outlook for most of the U.S. in June. The Mid-Atlantic has a 40% to 50% chance to experience above average temperatures, while states in the northeast have a 50% to 60% chance of above normal temperatures, according to NOAA’s outlook. Extreme heat and humidity is a leading weather-related killer in the U.S., killing hundreds every year, according to the NWS, which notes the elderly, small children and people on medication are most exposed to heat related stresses. People living in areas with high heat are encouraged to reduce outdoor activities, drink water and spend time indoors.
‘Virtually Certain’ 2024 Will Be The Hottest Year On Record, EU Climate Body Says (Forbes)