Heat Wave Setting Up for Northeast in Coming Days

Posted: July 21, 2022 10:58 am

Real Feel Readings May Break the Century Mark in Some Areas as Heat and Humidity Build

By the end of the weekend, approximately 160 million Americans are likely to be under the gun for real feel temperatures that are in the triple digits when combining the actual temperature reading with the oppressive humidity levels. Here is what you need to know about the ongoing heat wave throughout much of the U.S.

Heat Advisories Issued Throughout East Coast

Record-challenging heat is gripping the Northeast with no relief in the short-term forecast. Some readings will soar to levels that have not been measured in about a decade. Heat advisories are currently in effect up and down the East Coast, encompassing the populated cities of New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. The temperature is forecast to remain in the 90s through the weekend and potentially into the early days of next week.

Some areas along the Interstate 95 corridor will see readings that hover around the century mark by Sunday as the heat continues to build. Unfortunately for families who lean on the lower overnight temperatures to cool homes, these lows will also be well above average.

Scorcher in New York City

New York City will be the epicenter of the heat in the Northeast. The ongoing heat wave may end up registering as the longest of its kind in almost 10 years. It was 2013 the last time that the Big Apple saw seven straight days of highs measuring 90 degrees or greater. This is likely to happen in New York City this week with the heat forecast to hang on at this level until at least next Monday. The city saw its first 90-degree reading of this current heat wave on Tuesday with no relief in sight in the coming days.

Forecasters are warning that the peak of the heat will hit on Sunday with a high of about 98 degrees on tap. The increasing humidity levels will bring the real feel even higher. Should the city reach the triple digits, it will be the first time that New Yorkers have seen temperatures of this magnitude since 2012.

The heat is more pervasive in Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love could notch 14 consecutive days of 90-degree readings or higher by the end of July. Forecasters are predicting that the heat could stay in place through early August. It was August of 2016 the last time that the city saw eight straight days of readings over 90.

It is not out of the realm of possibility that Philadelphia may reach 100 degrees on Sunday. Should this happen, it would be the first time in just over 10 years. It is also likely that the city will break a record for the warmest day on this date in history on Sunday. The old record was 98 degrees, dating back to July 24, 2011.

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New York City Under Heat Advisory As Humidity And Temperatures In The Upper 90’s Descend On City

Heat to the North and South

Farther to the south, Washington, D.C. is also experiencing its first heat wave of the season. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday all saw readings of at least 90 degrees. The nation’s capital is forecast to see this level of heat for the balance of July.

The temperatures are not much better even into New England. Boston has not been under the grips of an official heat wave this summer. However, this is likely to happen by the end of the week as the heat moves up the coast with New England in its sights.

As is the case with heat waves of this duration, urban areas typically bear the brunt of the miserable conditions. This is because the massive amounts of concrete and pavement bounce the heat back up into the air.

How to Protect Yourself From the Heat

Officials are warning residents in the impact zone to stay in air conditioned buildings and homes when possible. It is also advisable to avoid being outside during the peak heating hours. If you need to be outside, try to time these activities for early or late in the day. Be sure to drink plenty of water to ensure proper hydration.

It will be a good weekend to head to the beach to cool off. In addition to the warm air temperatures, ocean water readings are also trending higher than normal. You will find sea surface temperatures measuring around 70 degrees in the waters off Massachusetts with readings in the mid-80s in the Carolinas.

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