A new round of heat, combined with high humidity, will build in the eastern United States through Tuesday, challenging record highs set in the 1800s. According to AccuWeather meteorologists, temperatures will surge well above historical averages each day, creating both opportunities for outdoor activities and potential dangers due to extreme conditions.
The eastern United States will soon experience the kind of sweltering heat that has gripped much of the West. Nationwide on Sunday, 245 million people will face temperatures of 90°F or higher, with at least 30 million reaching 100°F or higher. This heat wave arrives during what is typically the hottest time of the year for many locations, amplifying the risks associated with extreme heat.
In the East, heat and humidity often go hand in hand in mid-July, and this upcoming heat wave will be no exception. Temperatures will soar 5-15 degrees above historical averages, coupled with high humidity, intense sunshine, and light winds, making conditions feel even more searing.
“Daily record highs dating back to the 1800s will be challenged on multiple days in the coming week in places like Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina, as afternoon temperatures hover near the 100-degree mark,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Reneé Duff. Other locations, including Roanoke, Virginia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., will experience highs near 100°F, reminiscent of the blistering summer of 1988.
Even farther north, from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, New York City, and Boston, highs in the 90s will signal a heat wave, defined in the Northeast as three or more days of temperatures 90°F or higher. AccuWeather has launched initiatives such as the HeatWave Counter and Severity Index™ to raise awareness about the intensity and duration of these hot conditions.
While actual temperatures will be high, the combination of heat, humidity, sun, and light winds will make it feel even more extreme during the day. Portions of the Southeast will experience AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures of 105-110°F over multiple days, and even in the Northeast, RealFeel® Temperatures will approach and exceed 100°F.
In large cities, the heat buildup in paved and concrete areas can take many hours to cool down at night, often reaching more comfortable levels only as the sun rises the next day. This urban heat effect exacerbates the discomfort and potential health risks.
Experts advise avoiding strenuous activity during the midday and afternoon hours, increasing intake of non-alcoholic fluids, and seeking air-conditioned environments or cooling stations when possible. For those without access to air conditioning, a brief cool shower can provide relief. These preventative measures are crucial in avoiding heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can necessitate hospitalization.
As the eastern United States braces for this intense heat wave, staying informed and prepared will be essential for safely navigating the extreme weather conditions ahead.
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