Most of the Northeast will welcome much-needed dry weather in the wake of last week's flooding, but residents will be enduring a stretch of heat and humidity early this week.

Instead of worrying about flooded roads and streams overflowing their banks, most residents will need to take the proper precautions to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke early this week.

Like Monday, Tuesday will bring widespread highs in the lower and middle 90s across the mid-Atlantic and New England.

This could be the first heat wave (three consecutive 90-degree days) for many communities, including New York City and Philadelphia, since early July.

Sweltering humidity will contribute to dangerously high AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures. RealFeels in excess of 100 F are anticipated along the corridor from Richmond, Virginia, to Washington, D.C., New York City and near Boston.

Water slowly evaporating from the soggy ground will contribute to the already sweltering humidity.

Download the free AccuWeather app to find out how hot it will get early this week.

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Any cooling thunderstorm that develops amid the heat is expected to be isolated but can still produce a burst of heavy rain or gusty winds.

Most places will stay dry, which is good news for those who had construction projects, field work or sporting events delayed last week.

Engaging in strenuous activities during the heat can be dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken.

"Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and limit outdoor activities in the afternoon,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys said.

Wearing light clothing and staying out of the direct sun are other ways to beat the heat. Be sure the elderly, children and animals are staying cool.

The nighttime hours can still feel oppressive in the major urban areas. Temperatures may struggle to drop much below 80 as the buildings release heat absorbed during the day.

"Fans and air conditioners that have been idle much of the past week will get a workout," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said. "Some great swimming and beach weather will arise."

Storms will begin to trim the heat over the Ohio Valley region on Tuesday.

The return of thunderstorms will prevent a more prolonged heat wave from gripping the Northeast.

Thunderstorms spreading over the Ohio Valley and Appalachians on Tuesday can expand to the Interstate 95 corridor at midweek.

Any heavier rain can trigger localized flooding where the ground remains overly saturated and/or streams are running high. There is a risk of downpours repeating over the same area for a time, but a multi-day rainfall event is not expected.

The heat relief the thunderstorms will provide will be most noticeable across the Ohio Valley and Appalachians.

Highs Wednesday and Thursday across these areas will average in the upper 70s to lower 80s. Temperatures can still rise into the upper and middle 80s along most of the Interstate 95 corridor for Thursday as humid air hangs on.

Thursday can be a drier day throughout the Northeast before a new stretch of stormy weather moves in next weekend and into the start of the following week.

"An active period is expected across the Southeast these days and that activity is likely to extend into the Tennessee Valley and southern parts of the Northeast, where there will be a higher risk for flooding," AccuWeather Long-Range Meteorologist Max Vido said.