Over 250 million people across the Midwest and East Coast are bracing for a severe holiday heatwave, marked by high temperatures and oppressive humidity affecting at least 36 states.
Heat warnings and advisories have been issued in 30 states as a heat dome envelops much of the nation, pushing temperatures into the upper 90s and lower 100s. With the holiday weekend approaching, it could feel like it’s over 100 degrees.
“This heatwave is going to impact over 250 million people,” Carl Erickson, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, mentioned.
“It’s covering the entire state. Thursday and Friday will be the peak of the heat on the East Coast. Some areas in the Southeast will also experience very uncomfortable and hazardous heat and humidity, although they’re somewhat accustomed to those temperatures,” he added.
According to Erickson, the most intense heat will strike along Interstate 95, impacting cities like Detroit, Chicago, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., New York City, St. Louis, Memphis, and Boston.
He also advised residents from Missouri down to Mississippi to exercise extreme caution as the relentless heat persists.
On Thursday, the heat index in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. is predicted to rise to a staggering 111 degrees, while cities like Nashville might reach 110 degrees, and Detroit could see 108 degrees. Chicago is looking at a heat index of about 102 degrees.
Friday won’t be any kinder—New York is projected to reach 108 degrees, Boston 105 degrees, Memphis 111 degrees, and D.C. 112 degrees.
Relief may come by early next week, particularly in the Southeast as temperatures could hit 107 degrees in parts of North Carolina and 105 in Georgia.
Though the Northeast is expected to begin cooling down on Sunday, severe thunderstorms are set to roll through the region from Friday night, continuing through the holiday weekend, presenting another hazard alongside the extreme heat.
“A new heat wave is expected to reach the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic by early next week,” Erickson stated.
In New York City, temperatures will shift to the 80s, which will be quite a contrast to the current swelter.
While Saturday’s forecast calls for a high of 95 degrees followed by afternoon thunderstorms with a 55% chance of rain, Sunday should mark the end of the heatwave with highs around 90 degrees. The storm is anticipated to normalize temperatures by Monday.
In response to the severe weather, Mayor Zoran Mamdani has declared a heat emergency, while Governor Kathy Hochul noted that officials are closely monitoring both the temperatures and the state’s power grid.
