Midwestern US to sizzle in weekend heat wave before hot air overtakes Northeast
Some of the hottest weather of the season so far will expand from the Midwest to the Northeast into early week.
A large dome of hot, humid air has built over the Midwest and will surge into the Northeast by early week.
The combination of surging temperatures and humidity levels may be welcomed by many. However, some people, such as the elderly and those partaking in manual labor, are likely to struggle as AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures shoot above 100 F in many locations.
Heat could reach dangerously high levels in the urban areas of the large cities such as Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri, during the day. These areas may not cool off much at night.
"While hot and humid weather was felt in both regions this past Memorial Day weekend, temperatures and humidity levels may rival those levels with this surge," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bob Larson.
People in the Chicago area can expect at least three days of high temperatures at or above 90 through Monday, which will constitute a heat wave. However, this is not the first time thermometers recorded highs in the 90s this season. Temperatures peaked at 97 on May 27 in Chicago.
"Heat of this magnitude is not uncommon for this part of the season, but intense June sunshine can make if feel worse than a similar hot and humid spell in August or September when the sun is weaker," Larson said.
The sun will reach its highest point in the sky of the entire year for about the next four weeks with the summer solstice falling on June 21.
Early-season heat waves can be challenging as some people may have a tough time making the adjustment to it following long stretches of cool or rainy weather, like the pattern experienced this spring.
The heat will punch into the Northeast into start of the new week, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Dombek.
"While temperatures ramp up on Sunday, the worst day of the heat in New England and the upper part of the mid-Atlantic is likely to be on Monday," Dombek said.
On Monday, temperatures may challenge the record high of 95 set in 1929 in New York City and may burst into the 90s in Boston and Hartford, Connecticut.
Record highs in the middle to upper 90s may also be challenged in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., on Monday.
"Farther south, Tuesday may be almost as hot as Monday in parts of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware ahead of showers and thunderstorms," Dombek said.
A press of cooler air will sweep southeastward across the Midwest and Northeast during Monday night and Tuesday.
In addition to seeking air-conditioned places, people may find some relief from the heat by heading to the lake or the beach. Keep in mind that water temperatures are still chilly enough to raise the risk of cold water shock in some individuals.
During spells of hot and humid weather such as this, remember to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Mitigate vigorous physical exercise and manual labor. Keep a close eye on the elderly, young children and folks with respiratory problems.
