Northeast, Midwest Heat Wave Could Smash Dozens Of Records, Including New York, Philly, Chicago

A dangerous, widespread heat wave will bake the central and eastern U.S., bringing the hottest temperatures of the year and uncomfortably muggy air to the Midwest and Northeast that in some areas could last into much of this week.

Already, daily record highs were set Thursday in Salt Lake City (104 degrees), their first triple-digit high of the year. On Saturday, Mitchell, South Dakota broke their daily high temperatures record at 104 degrees, smashing their previous record of 101. High temperature records were also set on Saturday across Minnesota and Wyoming, just to name a few.
- Heat is the number one weather killer in the U.S., with hundreds of fatalities each year.
- The combination of heat and humidity lingering into the night for several days in a row could be dangerous for those without access to air conditioning, especially in the cores of larger cities.
- Check on family, friends, the elderly and those with chronic illness who live without access to air conditioning.
- If possible, avoid being outdoors for long in the peak heat of the afternoon.
- If not, take frequent breaks, avoid strenuous activity, drink more water than usual and wear loose, lightweight clothing.