A large bubble of heat will drift slowly across the United States into next week, shifting out of the West and into the Central States and finally the East. The heat wave will bring the highest temperatures of the year so far, with some areas possibly reaching triple digits, AccuWeather meteorologists warn.
With limited days of warmth over much of the northern Plains, Midwest and Northeast so far this year, the surging heat could catch people off guard as it will be accompanied by some of the most intense sunshine of the year along with high humidity levels.
Energy demands will spike, and the risk of heat-related illness will rise sharply. Cooling centers may need to be opened. Neighborhoods will be abuzz with the hum of fans and air conditioners. People are encouraged to minimize physical exertion during the midday and afternoon hours when AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures will be at their highest and 5-15 degrees Fahrenheit above the actual temperature.
As areas west of the Rockies experience a significant cooldown, sweltering heat will grip the center of the nation from Friday through Sunday.
"To finish up the week, temperatures can challenge daily record highs from the central Rockies to the Plains and Midwest," AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex Duffus said. Temperatures will climb into the upper 90s and low 100s, which is 10-20 degrees above the historical averages for the second half of June."
