A prolonged and dangerous heatwave is expected to intensify across parts of the central and eastern United States over the next few days and into the holiday weekend.
This extreme weather brings record-breaking temperatures, humidity, and dangerous conditions to millions of Americans.
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The National Weather Service warned on Thursday that temperatures between 95°F (35°C) and 105°F (40.5°C), combined with high humidity, will push heat index values across parts of the region to between 100°F (37.7°C) and 115°F (46.1°C).
"This will lead to widespread areas of major to extreme Heat risk from the Midwest to the East Coast," the NWS said.
"Numerous daily temperature records are expected Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with some monthly and all-time records possible."
The agency said that the extreme heat will intensify across the central and eastern US this week, persist through Friday across the Midwest and Mississippi Valley, and linger through Independence Day weekend across the Ohio Valley and East Coast.
Weather officials warned that "prolonged periods of extreme heat are among the deadliest weather hazards" in the US, "because impacts build over time."
"Protect yourself by limiting time outdoors, staying hydrated, and ensuring access to A/C or cooling centers," the agency said.
As of Thursday morning, numerous areas across the Mississippi Valley, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Northeast are under extreme heat warnings, which are issued when "extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring."
In New York, where temperatures are forecast to climb to around 100°F (37.7°C) on Thursday, weather officials warned that "dangerous heat and humidity" is expected through Saturday, with heat index values forecast to reach "as high as 115°F" (46.1°C).
