Prolonged Heat Wave to Hit Central and Eastern U.S.

The United States faces a hazardous heat wave this week. Forecasters predict soaring temperatures across central and eastern regions, potentially breaking records.

Marc Chenard, meteorologist at the Weather Prediction Center, states temperatures will rise to the 90s and low 100s from the Midwest to the East Coast. In the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, temperatures could exceed 100 degrees.

Specific regions like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City are expected to experience days above 100. Mr. Chenard anticipates daily records will be broken in these cities on Thursday and Friday. Philadelphia might match its June record high of 104 degrees.

The heat wave will start in the Plains on Sunday, spreading to the Great Lakes region, including Chicago, and reaching the Gulf Coast by Tuesday. On Wednesday, extreme heat will likely affect the East Coast.

High humidity will accompany soaring temperatures, intensifying the oppressive feel. The National Weather Service warns that heat index values could hit 110 degrees, and locally reach 115.

Nights offer little respite, with temperatures staying higher than usual. Mr. Chenard notes minimum temperatures should remain in the 70s, while eastern cities may not drop below 80 degrees some nights.

The oppressive conditions are expected to endure through the Fourth of July weekend, largely due to a “pretty persistent” heat dome. This area of high pressure is driving the prolonged heat.

The heat dome may move westward at the weekend’s end, bringing cooler temperatures to the East and a chance for thunderstorms.

Nazaneen Ghaffar contributes weather reports for The Times.