Hot, humid conditions are returning to the Midwest and Northeast, adding another chapter to the sweltering story of an already hot summer.
An upper-level area of high pressure has expanded eastward. A more southerly wind flow will result, allowing heat and humidity to increase in the Midwest and Northeast this weekend.
Hot, Humid Forecast
Widespread record-hot temperatures are not expected because it is mid-July. This is the time of year when the hottest temperatures are typically recorded in much of the Lower 48, making it more difficult to set records. However, a few daily records could be broken Sunday into Monday, including Cleveland, Ohio; Syracuse, New York; and Philadelphia.
The heat's persistence is the more noteworthy aspect of this pattern.
(MORE: Hottest Temperatures Recorded in All 50 States)
Highs will be 5 to 20 degrees above average for much of the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Northeast this weekend.
This will correspond to highs surging into the 90s for many spots. Highs in the mid-90s are possible in Chicago, Columbus, Ohio; and New York City, along with many other spots in the Northeast.
Forecast HighsDew points will also rise, making it feel more humid. The combination of heat and humidity could reach dangerous levels this weekend into next week.
The heat index, or what it will really feel like, will approach or exceed 100 degrees across much of the Midwest and into parts of the Northeast during this upcoming heat wave.
Excessive heat warnings have been posted for parts of the Midwest, including Minneapolis and Kansas City, and for parts of the Northeast beginning Sunday, including Philadelphia. Areas under excessive heat warnings will likely experience extreme and dangerous heat.
Warm low temperatures are another concern.
Morning lows might not drop much below 80 degrees at times in St. Louis, Chicago and Washington D.C.
The warm overnight temperatures will not provide much relief, adding to the stress on the body, especially for the elderly, children and those with health issues.
Forecast Morning LowsFortunately, the heat should ease early next week in parts of the upper Midwest as a cool front slides in and chances for thunderstorms rise. However, parts of the Ohio Valley and Northeast may remain warm and humid into midweek.
(MAPS: 10-Day U.S. Forecast Highs and Lows)
Longer-range forecasts from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center suggest the heat may roar back into the Plains and Midwest later next week into the last week of July. Above-average temperatures are also expected to remain in the East to close out July.
Extended Temperature OutlookPersistent Heat This Summer
Much of the contiguous U.S. has experienced prolonged periods of hotter-than-average conditions this summer.
This persistent heat has resulted in longer streaks of 90 degree days in some locations. Temperatures in Washington D.C. climbed to at least 90 degrees for 20 days in a row, through Wednesday. This was one day shy of the record for consecutive 90-degree days, which is 21.
(MORE: These U.S. Cities Have Recorded the Most 90-Degree Days in a Single Year)
Several cities in the northern tier have had a record-hot start to the summer, including Caribou, Maine; Concord, New Hampshire; Albany, New York; and Duluth, Minnesota, according to data from the Southeast Regional Climate Center.
Dozens of other cities from the Northeast to the Great Lakes and Plains have had one of their top 10 hottest starts to summer.
Locations in red and orange indicate a hotter-than-average summer, while blue and purple numbers show a cooler-than-average summer.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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