About 160 million people are currently being affected by a record-setting heat wave that extends from the Lower Mississippi Valley and Midwest to the East Coast, the National Weather Service said on June 24.
Heat warnings, which began over the weekend, remained in effect across much of the country. Local officials on the East Coast have said many areas could experience conditions that "feel like" 110 degrees as the heat combines with humidity.
AccuWeather meteorologists said high temperatures approaching and even exceeding 100 degrees are expected over more than three dozen states stretching from the Plains to New England through at least Tuesday, challenging many long-standing records.
"The most significant cumulative heat impacts are anticipated across the Mid-Atlantic through Thursday and eastern Ohio Valley into Friday, leading to several consecutive days of oppressive heat," the weather service said Tuesday morning, urging people to stay cool and hydrated and to take action when they see symptoms of of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Dozens of locations, especially in the Northeast, will be within striking distance of daily record highs, especially through June 24, said Weather.com meteorologist Jonathan Erdman.
