Heatwaves and Storms Affecting the United States
High temperatures and severe storms are impacting the United States, expected to linger into next week as summer establishes across the nation.
Temperature Trends
Friday marks the last day of severe heat on the East Coast. Cities like Baltimore, Washington, New York, Philadelphia, and Raleigh experienced record temperatures. Raleigh saw a high of 101 degrees Fahrenheit Thursday. New York activated its cooling centers as temperatures soared into the 90s. With above-average warmth and high humidity, the heat index ranged from 95 to 105 degrees. A cooling trend is expected over the weekend.
The West will face record heat on Sunday and Monday. Forecasts predict temperatures climbing into the upper 90s and low 100s. Portland and Seattle might reach record highs next week.
Severe Storms
Severe storms persist through the weekend. On Thursday, 500 storm reports made it the third most active day of 2026 thus far. Tornadoes hit Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Significant damage occurred in Illinois. In Streator, a cul-de-sac suffered extensive destruction due to tornadoes. NBC News reported residents trapped under rubble. Rescues took place for a couple and another man with a broken leg. There were no storm-related fatalities reported by Friday morning.
Large hail affected central areas like Iowa, damaging vehicles. Roads were flooded with blinding rain from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania.
Upcoming Weather Threats
Severe storm threats will persist for 66 million people across two regions on Friday. The larger area includes the mid-Atlantic, Appalachians, and Northeast, with damaging winds as the main threat. Cities at risk include New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, Raleigh, and Charlotte. A smaller affected area covers western Oklahoma, Texas Panhandle, and parts of New Mexico, Colorado, and Kansas, with hail, strong winds, and possible tornadoes.
On Saturday, the Midwest and Plains face severe storm risk, affecting 14 million people from northern Oklahoma to Illinois and Iowa. Focused cities include Wichita, Kansas City, St. Louis, Des Moines, and Peoria. Key hazards include wind gusts over 75 mph, hail larger than 2 inches, and potential tornadoes.
By Sunday, 23 million people across the mid-Atlantic face threats from gusts over 60 mph. This area includes Richmond, Norfolk, Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia.