A dangerous combination of record-breaking heat and severe thunderstorms is set to impact tens of millions of Americans across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic this week, forecasters warn.
The threat begins Wednesday and builds significantly by Friday.
As near-record temperatures grip the East Coast alongside a heavily humid air mass, weak storm systems will push through the region on Wednesday and Thursday. Isolated storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts are expected across New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the Delmarva region during peak afternoon heating hours.
A Level 1 out of 5 severe storm risk is already in effect from Richmond, Virginia, through Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and into Upstate New York for both Wednesday and Thursday.
But Friday is when things get serious.
More than 50 million Americans fall under a Level 2 out of 5 severe storm risk on Friday, stretching from portions of Kentucky all the way through Upstate New York. An approaching cold front will collide with record heat and extreme humidity, triggering storm development across the lower Great Lakes and upper Ohio Valley by early afternoon.
The primary dangers will be damaging winds and large hail — though meteorologists warn a few tornadoes cannot be ruled out.
Storms are expected to push east toward the Hudson Valley and into the Mid-Atlantic through Friday evening.
Making matters worse, the heat building ahead of these storms is historic.
Dew points are forecast to climb into the upper 60s and low 70s, making it feel suffocating outdoors. Heat index values are expected to surge well into the mid-90s and low 100s across much of the region.
Highs will reach the mid to upper 90s from Raleigh, North Carolina, through Washington, D.C., and up into New York City on Thursday and Friday. Heat Advisories are already in place for the New York City area.
More than 40 record-high temperatures could fall by the end of the week, with cities like Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia potentially recording their hottest days of the year so far.
A powerful low-pressure system tracking across central and southern Canada, combined with high pressure sitting just off the East Coast, will funnel strong southerly winds deep into New England — pulling all that heat and humidity northward through the end of the week.
If you live anywhere from the Carolinas to New England, now is the time to prepare. Stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, and have a plan in case severe weather moves through your area.
