Chicago, Illinois – A dangerous heat wave is expected to sweep through the midwestern United States this week, bringing record-high temperatures with it before moving towards the East Coast. In addition, severe thunderstorms are forecasted to follow the same path, starting from the Great Lakes region and moving towards the Mid-Atlantic and southern New England over the next few days.
The National Weather Service issued an advisory stating that dangerously high temperatures had settled in over much of the Midwest on Tuesday, affecting major cities like Chicago and Milwaukee. Portions of the Mid-Atlantic region, including Philadelphia, were also impacted by the scorching heat. Millions of residents were under various heat alerts issued in response to the extreme weather conditions.
Experts highlighted that the combination of humidity and soaring temperatures was resulting in maximum heat indexes between 105 and 115 degrees across various regions. The heat index is a measure of what the actual temperature feels like when combined with relative humidity, posing significant health risks to individuals in the affected areas.
The heat wave is projected to expand eastward and eventually move southward through Thursday, setting potentially record high temperatures across midwestern states, the Ohio Valley, the Tennessee Valley, parts of the Appalachians, and into the Mid-Atlantic region. Meteorologists are warning residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe and cool during this period of extreme heat.
In cities like Chicago and Milwaukee, temperatures soared to levels where it felt like 108 degrees, and other regions like Louisville and Nashville were expected to experience temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. Additionally, Washington, D.C. could see a potential record high of 99 degrees. However, relief is in sight as severe storms are expected to bring cooler temperatures to cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. by Wednesday.
Excessive heat warnings and advisories were in effect for millions of people across the Mississippi Valley, the Midwest, and southern New England. As the heat wave progresses towards the Mid-Atlantic, more regions are expected to come under these heat alerts. Residents are urged to stay hydrated, seek shade, and limit outdoor activities to protect themselves from the scorching temperatures.