Following news of 15th child hot car death in US, what areas will face dangerous heat into 4th of July?

By Kristina Pydynowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures at or above 100 F will create dangers for more adults, children and animals across parts of the United States in the days leading up to Independence Day.

A three-year-old boy was found dead inside a minivan in Morristown, Tennessee, during the late-evening hours of Thursday, June 27.

"Investigators believe, at this time, the child entered the vehicle without anyone knowing and became trapped," the Morristown Police Department said. "The investigation is continuing; at this time, it appears to be a tragic accident."

The child had been missing since 4 p.m. EDT Thursday, WVLT stated. A high temperature of 90 F was recorded at Morristown's Moore-Murrell Airport on Thursday. These readings are taken in the shade.

The toddler's death marks the 15th child in the U.S. dying in hot cars so far this year, according to the National Safety Council. The organization stated that, on average, 38 children die from heatstroke after being left in vehicles annually across the nation.

With summer in full swing and heat dominating a large swath of the nation in the days leading up to Independence Day, residents will have to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, elderly, children and pets against heat-related illnesses or fatalities.

Sunday is expected to bring another day of widespread AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures approaching or exceeding 100 F across the central and southern United States during the late morning and afternoon hours.

On Monday, similar dangerous readings are anticipated from St. Louis to New Orleans, Louisiana; Atlanta; and Orlando, Florida, as well as across the Desert Southwest.

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While Phoenix is no stranger to heat in early July, the city will be hotter than normal as temperatures soar to 110 F.

Temperatures may be trimmed a few degrees back to more typical values around Phoenix on Tuesday and Wednesday, but heat will worsen in the Southeast.

The number of communities enduring highs in the upper 90s and lower 100s will increase from northern Florida to North Carolina, away from the beaches, these days.

Augusta, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, are among the cities where record highs are in jeopardy.

"Many areas in the Deep South will see very little reprieve from the heat during the overnight hours as well," according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham. "AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures will only drop into the upper 70s and lower 80s in most areas."

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Heat dangers will not just be confined to where AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures reach the century mark.

AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures rising into the 90s daily through the holiday will put a strain on anyone around Washington, D.C.; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Chicago.

Even where actual temperatures only top out at around 80 F throughout the nation, sealed vehicles sitting out in the strong sun can quickly become death traps for children, pets and others without means to open doors.

"As temperatures soar this week, be sure to check up on individuals who are more vulnerable to heat-induced illnesses," Buckingham said. "When AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures exceed the 100-degree mark, heat-related issues can occur faster than one may expect."

Amid sweltering heat, drink plenty of water, wear light clothing and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest times of the day (the midday and afternoon hours).

"Our furry friends are not immune to the heat either, so be sure to tend to your pets," Buckingham added. "Make sure they have plenty of water and if they have to be left outside, try to provide at least a shaded area for them to lay under."

Download the free AccuWeather app to know how high temperatures will soar in your community. Keep checking back for updates on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.