The National Weather Service warned that high temperatures and heavy humidity will spread across large parts of the country ahead of the July Fourth holiday.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A prolonged heat wave is expected to affect a wide stretch of the United States this week, bringing high temperatures, heavy humidity and dangerous heat index values ahead of the July Fourth holiday, according to the National Weather Service.
The heat is forecast to build across the lower Great Lakes, the mid-Atlantic and the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys, with several days of elevated temperatures expected in many areas.
Major cities along the East Coast, including New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Baltimore, are expected to feel the impact. Chicago, St. Louis and Detroit are also included in the affected Midwest and Great Lakes areas, while southern cities such as Dallas, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Memphis, Tennessee, are also expected to see high temperatures.
Some large cities could record their hottest temperatures of the year so far as they host World Cup matches.
The National Weather Service said the heat will persist into next weekend across the Great Plains, the Southeast and the mid-Atlantic.
Temperatures are expected to climb well into the 90s and low 100s Fahrenheit. High humidity will make conditions feel even hotter, pushing heat index values into the 100-to-110-degree range in many places. Some areas could see heat index readings as high as 115 degrees.
Warm overnight temperatures will offer limited relief. Nightly lows are expected to remain in the 70s in many affected areas.
The heat index combines temperature and humidity to show how hot conditions feel to the body. It is also used to assess the danger of prolonged outdoor exposure or strenuous activity during hot weather.
Parts of the country were already experiencing intense heat before the broader heat wave develops. Phoenix, Las Vegas, central Texas and much of the Southwest were seeing temperatures around 100 degrees.
The National Weather Service urged people to take precautions during extreme heat. Officials advised limiting outdoor activity, staying hydrated and ensuring access to air-conditioning or other cooling locations.
The heat wave is expected to create hazardous conditions for outdoor workers, travelers, athletes, elderly residents, people without reliable cooling and anyone spending extended time outside during the hottest parts of the day.
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