Temperatures and humidity have risen this week in the Great Lakes and Northeast while excessive heat builds in parts of the West, serving as a reminder that summer is just around the corner.
The jet stream pattern has shifted, with a northward bulge developing over both the East and the West. This setup often correlates with warmer temperatures, which will be the case this week.
In addition, an upper-level low is cut off from the jet stream and is lingering over the Mississippi Valley, bringing days of rain and keeping temperatures relatively cool there.
(MORE: Why Weather Moves Slower In The Late Spring, Summer)
Current U.S. TemperaturesHot and Humid in the Great Lakes, Northeast
Hot temperatures have developed in parts of the Great Lakes and Northeast due to a southerly wind flow. Dew points have risen into the 60s for most areas, making it feel humid as well.
Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany, New York, all recorded their first 90-degree day of the year on Tuesday, each setting daily records less than three weeks after snow and record cold around Mother's Day.
Highs Tuesday soared into the 90s as far north as Burlington, Vermont (92 degrees), and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan (90 degrees).
On Wednesday, Burlington hit 95 degrees, breaking its all-time record high for May by 2 degrees. Wednesday's low temperature of 72 degrees was also the warmest observed on any date in May by 2 degrees. Burlington's records date back to 1884.
The hotter-than-average temperatures will be wiped away by a cold front later this week into the weekend. Highs will retreat to levels that are several degrees below average in the Great Lakes and Northeast beginning Friday and lasting into the weekend, with many areas only rising into the 60s during the afternoon hours.
This cooler air will arrive in New England and the interior Northeast later this weekend.
Forecast Highs Compared to AverageHeat Builds in the West
Daily record highs were set Tuesday in Sacramento (104 degrees downtown), San Jose, California (97 degrees), and Reno, Nevada (92 degrees).
Death Valley, California, set a daily record on Wednesday with a high of 118 degrees and downtown Sacramento tied its daily record of 104 degrees.
Highs will soar into the triple digits in California's Central Valley, including Sacramento, through Thursday before some relief arrives Friday.
The heat will spread from California, Oregon and the Southwest into the Great Basin and northern Rockies beginning Friday and into this weekend.
Forecast HighsDaily record highs are likely in California's Central Valley through at least Thursday. Among the cities that could set new daily records Thursday are Fresno, California, Flagstaff, Arizona, and Las Vegas.
By Friday into the weekend, daily records are possible in the northern Rockies from Idaho, Montana and Wyoming to Utah, Nevada and Arizona.
Phoenix could reach 110 degrees, and 90s are forecast as far north as Montana this weekend.
The heat will be widespread and may reach dangerous levels, with limited relief overnight. This can lead to heat-related illnesses.
Excessive heat warnings and heat advisories have been posted by the National Weather Service for parts of the Southwest and California, including Phoenix, Las Vegas and San Jose.
Heat AlertsAvoid exercise outdoors, seek air-conditioned buildings, drink extra water and wear lightweight and light-colored clothing when excessive heat is anticipated. Never leave kids or pets unattended in cars.
For California, Oregon and Washington, cooler temperatures will arrive by this weekend as a southward plunge of the jet stream develops near the West Coast.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
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