Maps show "hot, hot heat" headed to the Northeast U.S. that could break dozens of records, put millions at risk

Northeast broils under brutal heat wave

The sweltering heat felt in the western U.S. is headed to the Northeast with dangerously hot temperatures putting millions of Americans at risk. The National Weather Service warned on Monday that the looming heat dome "could see temperatures topping the century mark" as it's expected to break records across several cities. 

The National Weather Service says this will be the first significant heat wave of the season, with "the hottest temperatures of the summer" set to hit the Midwest, Great Lakes, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. For some areas, the temperatures will be so intense that "the longevity of dangerous heat forecasted ... has not been experienced in decades." 

A level four "extreme" risk is forecast for cities in Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts, the service says, meaning "rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief." At this level, the National Weather Service says that anyone who doesn't have effective cooling or proper hydration is at risk. Maryland and Washington, D.C. are expected to be at "major" risk. 

Major cities could see higher temperatures than surrounding areas due to the heat island effect, jeopardizing many who don't have access to shade or cooling systems. 

The National Weather Service's HeatRisk map for June 20, 2024 shows much of the U.S. at risk for heat-related issues on that day, with many in the Northeast expected to see "major" and "extreme" risks.  National Weather Service HeatRisk

CBS News senior weather producer David Parkinson said "hot, hot heat is the name of the game this week." 

Chicago will reach peak warmth on Monday with a real-feel temperature of 97 degrees Fahrenheit, while Cleveland, Ohio, and Rochester, New York, are expected to tie records of 94 degrees Fahrenheit, he said. On Tuesday, at least 24 other records are expected to be broken, including in Vermont, New York and Washington, D.C., while another three dozen are expected to be broken on Wednesday. 

At least 265 million people will be subjected to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit this week, Parkinson said, a temperature threshold that can be dangerous and lead to heat-related illnesses. Parkinson said about 22 million people will be subjected to temperatures over 100 degrees. 

Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. each year, and data show heat waves have become more frequent and more severe due to climate change.

These maps show what's expected across the region. 

Tuesday temperature forecast 

The National Weather Service shows that much of the Great Lakes will be under "major" to "extreme" heat risk on June 18, 2024.  National Digital Forecast Database

NWS forecasters expect that much of the Great Lakes, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio, as well as surrounding states, will see "major" and "extreme" heat risks on Tuesday, leaving people without adequate hydration and cooling systems susceptible to heat-related illnesses. 

Wednesday temperature forecast

This map from the National Weather Service shows that essentially the entire Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast U.S. will see temperatures at 90 degrees or above on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.  National Digital Forecast Database

On Wednesday, the National Weather Service forecasts that essentially all of the eastern U.S. and much of the south-central U.S. will see temperatures of at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Some smaller areas will see triple-digit temperatures in the Northeast and in the Southwest. 

"By Wednesday afternoon, some locations in interior New England could see temperatures topping the century mark, which will break daily records at certain locations," the National Weather Service says. "Across the Four Corners region, critical fire danger conditions are anticipated today under persistently dry conditions fueled by gusty winds with the approach of the sharp front."

Dangerous heat wave puts millions at risk in U.S.

Thursday temperature forecast

This forecast from the National Weather Service shows temperatures in the mid- to high-90s for much of the Northeast U.S. on June 20, 2024.  National Digital Forecast Database

Thursday is expected to be among the worst days for New England, with even Maine seeing temperatures in the high 90s. Boston temperatures will creep toward triple digits while temperatures in New Hampshire are expected to surpass 100ºF. Little temperature relief is expected at night in many places, including in New York, where forecasters say the lows will be reach the mid-70s. 

Even in areas where temperatures don't rise high enough to warrant an advisory, New York forecasters say the heat index values will be high enough to "necessitate caution." 

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