Millions of Americans are under heat warnings heading into the weekend as temperatures are expected to soar in most of the United States. The sky-high temperatures are expected to feel even hotter as dew points will likely reach near record-breaking numbers.
Upwards of 85% of the population is expected to experience temperatures higher than 95 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday with dew points ranging from 72-85 degrees. The highest recorded dew point temperature in the United States was 88 degrees in Minnesota in 2011, which combined with a 95 degrees temperature would express a heat index of 126 degrees. Factoring in the high dew points, regions from Kansas City, to Washington, D.C., to New York City, and Boston are expected to feel heat indexes of higher than 110 degrees this weekend.
Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City has expressed doubt that local energy company Con Ed will be able to keep up with the extra demand the excessive heat will place on the power grid. He has encouraged residents of NYC to check in with relatives and neighbors and has ordered cooling stations to be set up in public places.
Several events along the Eastern Seaboard have also been canceled or postponed ahead of the heat wave, including the Verizon New York City Triathlon. New York’s Saratoga Race Club canceled all Saturday races, and the Maryland Jockey Club canceled all races on Saturday and Sunday.
The National Weather Service described the impact of the Excessive Heat Warning as, “Dangerously high temperatures and humidity could quickly cause heat stress or heat stroke if precautions are not taken.” The NWS expects that more than 100 local heat records will be broken.
The Center for Disease Control has encouraged people to drink plenty of water and look out for signs of heat stroke such as rash, sunburn, nausea, and dizziness.
