The United States is currently experiencing a significant heat wave, with over 100 million Americans under extreme heat advisories. This week, cities across the country are facing record-breaking temperatures, prompting warnings and advisories from weather agencies.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Western New York, effective from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday. The heat index values are expected to range from 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with some areas potentially reaching 104 degrees. This advisory covers regions including the lake plains, Genesee Valley, and Finger Lakes.
Record-Breaking Temperatures in the West
In the Western United States, several cities have already shattered their all-time temperature records. On Sunday, Salt Lake City reached a preliminary high of 109 degrees Fahrenheit, surpassing the previous record of 107 degrees set in multiple years. Similarly, Billings, Montana, recorded a high of 111 degrees, breaking the previous record of 108 degrees set in 2002. Miles City, Montana, also experienced a record-high temperature of 115 degrees, exceeding the previous record of 111 degrees set in 2012.
The heat dome over the Northern Plains has contributed to extreme heat and humidity, affecting states from Utah to Michigan. Cities like Zion Canyon, Salt Lake City, and Billings are expected to feel temperatures above 100 degrees. Fargo, North Dakota, is under an extreme heat warning with a heat index as high as 110 degrees.
Heat Waves in the Northeast
The Northeast is also bracing for a heat wave, with temperatures expected to rise above 90 degrees for several days. New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. are among the cities affected. A heat advisory is in place for Tuesday and Wednesday across much of the Northeast, with heat indices around 100 degrees expected. The upper Northeast, including Rochester, Albany, and Boston, is anticipated to be the hottest on Tuesday, with heat indices ranging from 100 to 104 degrees.
New York City and Washington D.C. are likely to experience the hottest temperatures on Wednesday, with heat indices near 100 and 105 degrees, respectively. Southern California is also under heat alerts through Thursday, with temperatures reaching up to 105 degrees in interior valleys.
Severe Weather Threats
The extreme heat and humidity, combined with a sinking cold front from Canada, have led to severe weather threats in northern New England. Destructive winds over 70 mph, large hail, and the possibility of strong tornadoes are expected. A level 3 of 5 risk is in place for areas including Burlington, Vermont; Plattsburgh, New York; Caribou, Maine; Colchester, Vermont; and Massena, New York. Storms are most likely to occur after 5 p.m. ET and continue into the night.
As the week progresses, temperatures are expected to gradually fall back to more seasonal levels by the end of the week, with scattered showers and thunderstorms likely this weekend.
