By Sunday, the heat is forecast to expand eastward, affecting major metro areas including Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Omaha, Kansas City, St. Louis, Detroit, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh. Early next week, the East Coast will feel the full brunt, with cities like Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. potentially hitting the 90s or higher from Sunday through Wednesday.
Notably, Central Park in New York City hasn’t reached 100°F since 2011, and Philadelphia hasn’t seen triple digits since 2012, per NBC’s WCAU.
“This heat wave’s magnitude and longevity will be a shock to the system,” warned AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill, stressing the extended duration of the extreme conditions.
Heat indices — the “feels like” temperature when humidity is factored in — could reach well into the triple digits, significantly raising the risk of heat-related illnesses.
The NWS emphasized that anyone without proper cooling or hydration is at serious risk, especially those working or exercising outdoors.
Extreme heat remains the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., surpassing hurricanes and floods, according to the NWS.
The soaring temperatures will also fuel severe thunderstorms across the Midwest on Friday and Saturday, with some storms expected to bring damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes.
As the heat wave builds, the NWS urges Americans to take precautions:
Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.
Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat hours.
Drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty.
Check on children, seniors, and those with disabilities, who are more vulnerable to heat.
Use fans and cooling cloths, and avoid hot, heavy meals.
“Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable — it can be life-threatening,” the NWS said in a statement.