Thirteen states in the East from Massachusetts to Kentucky are on alert for more extreme heat before the dangerous temperatures move to the South and the West.
Record highs were shattered in New England on Thursday, including 99 degrees in Manchester, New Hampshire; 98 degrees in Hartford, Connecticut; and 97 in Augusta, Maine.
A child cools off in the fountain at Washington Square Park in New York City on June 19, 2024.
John Angelillo/UPI via Shutterstock
A woman attends to a young child at the edge of the water fountain on the Christian Science Plaza while others escape the heat in the water, in Boston, June 19, 2024.
Cj Gunther/EPA via Shutterstock
On Friday, the temperature is forecast to hit a scorching 98 degrees in Louisville, Kentucky; 84 degrees in Indianapolis; 96 degrees in Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C.; 95 in Philadelphia; and 92 in New York City.
In Philadelphia, this could be the longest stretch of 90-degree temperatures this early in the season in 30 years.
Heat wave today’s temperatures.
ABC News
This weekend, the heat will spread into the South.
Washington, D.C., may hit 100 degrees this weekend, which would be the first time the city reached triple digits in June in 12 years.
Record highs are possible in Little Rock, Arkansas, by Monday.
Weekend scorcher forecast temperatures.
ABC News
The dangerous heat is also returning to the West this weekend, with heat alerts in effect in California, Arizona and Utah.
Temperatures could climb to 110 degrees in Palm Springs, California; 114 in Phoenix; and 107 in Las Vegas.
Turning hotter this weekend.
ABC News
There are hundreds of deaths each year in the U.S. due to excessive heat, according to CDC WONDER, an online database, and scientists caution that the actual number of heat-related deaths is likely higher.
Click here for tips on how to stay safe in the heat.
Heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, leading to prolonged periods of dangerously high temperatures in many parts of the world. Heat wave maps are used by meteorologists and emergency responders to track these extreme weather events and provide warnings to the public. One important aspect of these maps is the duration of dangerous temperatures, which can have a significant impact on human health and infrastructure.
The duration of dangerous temperatures in a heat wave map refers to how long temperatures are expected to remain at levels that pose a threat to human health. This can vary depending on the location and intensity of the heat wave, but generally, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In extreme cases, prolonged exposure to dangerous temperatures can even be fatal.
Understanding the duration of dangerous temperatures in a heat wave map is crucial for emergency responders and public health officials to effectively prepare for and respond to these extreme weather events. For example, if a heat wave is expected to last for several days or even weeks, measures may need to be put in place to ensure that vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, have access to cooling centers or other resources to help them stay safe.
In addition to the impact on human health, the duration of dangerous temperatures in a heat wave map can also have significant implications for infrastructure. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can put a strain on power grids, leading to blackouts and other disruptions. It can also cause roads to buckle, train tracks to warp, and buildings to become dangerously hot. By understanding how long dangerous temperatures are expected to last, city planners and emergency responders can better prepare for and mitigate the impact of heat waves on critical infrastructure.
Overall, the duration of dangerous temperatures in heat wave maps is an important factor to consider when assessing the potential impact of extreme heat events. By understanding how long temperatures are expected to remain at dangerous levels, we can better prepare for and respond to these increasingly common and severe weather events.
