More than 40 states will record highs in the 90s or higher this week as the massive heat wave baking the Plains expands its grip across the United States.
It is not unusual for temperatures this time of year to rise to or above 90 degrees in 23 of the 48 contiguous United States.
However, the magnitude of the heat wave is clearly evident with more than 40 states set to record a 90-degree temperature reading or greater on at least one day of this week. AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Bill Deger adds that several record highs are in jeopardy.
Monday is when the United States may see the greatest coverage of 90-degree temperatures as the dome of heat stretches from the Northwest's interior to the mid-Atlantic and southern New England.
The worst of the heat wave through at least Wednesday will focus on the nation's midsection.
The Plains will register triple-digit highs on a daily basis from Sunday to Wednesday. Temperatures will flirt with the century mark throughout the middle and upper Mississippi Valleys, which includes Minneapolis and St. Louis.
High humidity from the eastern Plains eastward will worsen the situation by causing AccuWeather.com RealFeel® temperatures to soar between 105 and 110 degrees.
RealFeels will even reach the 115-degree mark in some cases, such as in Omaha, Neb., and Kansas City, Mo.
Heat and humidity will also build Sunday into Monday across the Great Lakes and Northeast, setting the stage for severe thunderstorms.
However, the worst of the heat will likely come later in the week as the center of heat wave shifts eastward.
Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., could approach 100 degrees with temperatures feeling dangerously hotter due to high humidity.
"Unfortunately, each year people lose their lives in severe heat waves such as this," states Deger.
Deger continued, "It is imperative that individuals engaging in outdoor activities stay well hydrated and take frequent breaks."
Be sure to follow the many other heat safety tips to protect yourself, your family and pets from a potentially deadly heatstroke during this massive and far-reaching heat wave.
NOAA released its 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast Thursday, predicting another active season.
This holiday weekend, a rare astronomical phenomenon will occur that will not be seen again until October 2015.
San Antonio is getting hit by heavy thunderstorms on Friday afternoon and evening.
Severe weather and drenching downpours will affect parts of the Plains and Midwest over the Memorial Day Weekend.
Another plunge of chilly air will set the stage for the risk of a frost and freeze centered Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and other nearby states this weekend.
"This pup was literally singing when he saw his family," Michelle Karolicki, relocation program manager of the Central Oklahoma Humane Society, said about a reunion that took place on Thursday.
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | N/A | |
| Low | N/A | |
| Precip | N/A |
Abilene, TX (2000)
109 degrees, hottest ever in May.
Kentucky (1894)
Snowstorm across state; daytime accumulation
of 4-6".
West Coast (1982)
Heat wave:
San Francisco, CA 91 degrees, (new record;
previous record 79 in 1975)
San Jose, CA 84 degrees
Portland, OR 85 degrees (tied record)
Comments
Comments left here should adhere to the AccuWeather.com Community Guidelines. Profanity, personal attacks, and spam will not be tolerated.