Dangerous eastern US heat wave to yield highs in the 90s, 100s

By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist

July 9,2016; 1:50AM,EDT

 

A heat wave will extend across part of the eastern United States into this weekend. For some southern areas, temperatures will approach or exceed 100 F.
For many areas, "this will be the hottest weather so far this year," according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rathbun.
The combination of temperature, humidity, sunshine and other factors will push AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures several degrees higher than the actual temperature.

For portions of the mid-Atlantic, this has been the first heat wave of the year with temperatures reaching 90 for three consecutive days. For other areas of the mid-Atlantic this is the second such event of the year.
For Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia, the weather pattern into the weekend will push the number of 90-degree days so far this year past 10 days, which is close to average.
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Boston and Philadelphia both hit their highest temperatures so far this year on Wednesday reaching 94 and 95, respectively.
In the South, while hot and humid weather is typical during June, July, August and early September, temperatures will average 5-10 degrees above normal in many locations through this weekend.
Columbia, South Carolina, could end up with seven or more days where the actual temperature reaches or exceeds the century mark during the heat wave.
Other southern cities that could hit 100 or higher include Augusta and Macon, Georgia; Wilmington and Fayetteville, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; and Montgomery, Alabama.
The conditions will make it dangerous for those with respiratory problems. There will be an increased risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke for those who partake in vigorous physical activity.
Be sure to take breaks from the heat, preferably in air conditioning, and be sure to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
Be sure pets have plenty of fresh water and have a place in the shade, if not a cool location indoors. Never leave children and pets unattended in a vehicle.
The weather will offer a great opportunity to head to the beach, spend time at the lake or hang around the pool.
During the weekend, drier and slightly cooler air will push into the Northeast. Meanwhile, steamy air will continue in the Southeast states.

Another surge of heat is likely in the Eastern states during the middle and latter part of next week, according to AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok.
"Episodes of heat, rather than steady heat, will continue in the Midwest and Northeast through much of the balance of July," Pastelok said.
The most extensive and hottest weather of the summer so far may affect much of the central and eastern U.S. during the middle of July.
In the South, the pattern will translate to many days where the temperature can climb to 5-10 degrees above average through July.
Content contributed by AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Andy Mussoline.