Maps from the National Weather Service (NWS) show that relief is on the way for 13 states under heat advisories, but the heat wave will shift to a new part of the U.S. by next week.
The first heat wave of the season has scorched the Midwest and Northeast this week. Above-normal temperatures also have been recorded in California and parts of the Southwest. As of Friday morning, 12 states were under a heat advisory from the NWS: West Virginia, Ohio, California, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Delaware, Kentucky and Connecticut. Arizona was under an excessive heat warning.
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According to the NWS HeatRisk, a tool assessing heat-related impacts over a 24-hour period, exceptional heat was prevalent in the Midwest, particularly in Ohio, Indiana, and southern Michigan. Extreme heat was much more widespread and was documented across several Midwestern and Northeastern states, as well as in California and Arizona.
Heat impacts will improve in Arizona and worsen in California on Saturday. In the Midwest, the worst of the heat is expected in Indiana and Ohio, with parts of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia also affected.
By Sunday, NWS HeatRisk maps show a respite for the Midwest as the exceptional heat transitions to the East. NWS meteorologist Chris Roller told Newsweek that an approaching cold front will help lower temperatures in northern Indiana, far-south Michigan and western Ohio.
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By Monday, the situation improves for those areas, although exceptional and extreme heat is forecast for the Plains states, particularly in Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Heat will worsen for the Central U.S. on Tuesday, but by Wednesday and Thursday most of the worst of the heat will have moved out of the affected areas.
However, meteorologists are advising people in the impacted areas to take precautions to protect themselves against the heat before it moves out of the region.
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In Indiana, heat index values, which factor in the humidity, could exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
"Dangerously hot conditions with peak heat index values of 95 to 102 through Saturday. Low temperatures in the 70s at night will provide little relief from the heat," a heat advisory warned. "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances."
The advisory went on to say that the heat's duration will contribute to the heat's effects, with vulnerable urban populations most at risk.
"Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," the advisory said.
About the writer
Anna Skinner is a Newsweek senior reporter based in Indianapolis. Her focus is reporting on the climate, environment and weather ... Read more
