A dangerous heat wave is expected to sweep across much of the central and eastern United States beginning Tuesday and lasting through the July 4 weekend, when the country celebrates its 250th birthday and hosts knockout stages of the World Cup.

Forecasters warn of triple-digit heat indices and blazing hot temperatures that could break records and linger through Independence Day.

Dangerous heat is expected across large swaths of the U.S. this week, according to the National Weather Service.

A heat wave will blast the eastern United States this week