Major heat wave set to build across eastern U.S.
Temperatures will soar close to the century mark for many communities across the eastern half of the United States heading into next week as a major heat wave builds throughout the region.
Forecasters expect a significant ridge of high pressure to set up shop over the Midwest beginning this weekend and stretching well into next week. Upper-level ridges support above-normal temperatures–since we’re getting close to season’s peak heating, temperatures 5-10+ degrees above normal is a dangerous prospect, especially when humidity is involved.
Temperatures in the upper 90s to around 100°F are likely for just about everyone east of the Rockies by the middle of the week. The most significant heat is expected across the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic, where daytime highs could climb into the low 100s for a few days toward the latter half of the week.
The current NWS forecast for Thursday, July 2, shows a high of 101°F in both Greensboro and Washington, with an even 100°F expected in Philadelphia.
Elevated humidity levels will make this heat wave even worse, through both dangerous heat indices and keeping nighttime temperatures stifling. The lack of overnight relief is what really compounds the dangers in a heat event like this. Homes without adequate cooling systems rely on cooler temperatures at night–humid heat keeps nights dangerously hot, robbing those vulnerable folks of the relief they need to stay safe.
Staying safe is paramount in this kind of setup. Extreme heat is extremely dangerous, especially in the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, folks taking certain medications like SSRIs, and outdoor workers. But heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke can even sneak up on otherwise healthy individuals without proper precautions.
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