Heatwave in the US: Highest temperature, duration, affected areas and more

The summers are here and so is the unbearable heat that makes stepping out of the house a task to be dreaded. Now it seems you might need to plan some days of at-home fun as a widespread heat wave is set to flow through various parts of the United States."A dangerous, widespread heat wave will bake the central and eastern U.S., bringing the hottest temperatures of the year and uncomfortably muggy air to the Midwest and Northeast that in some areas could last into much of next week," said Jonathan Erdman, a Weather.com meteorologist on June 20.As per AccuWeather, approximately 170 million people will experience temperatures at or above 90 degrees during the heatwave that will go into next week.

"The magnitude and longevity of this heat wave will be a shock to the system," said Chad Merrill, senior AccuWeather meteorologist.

What is the duration of the heat wave?

Beginning on Friday, June 20th, in the plains, the heat wave will move over the weekend to the Midwest and Great Lakes. By June 21st, it will expand across the Midwest to parts of Nebraska where the temperatures could reach triple digits.Then, the extreme heat is expected to move and sustain across the Ohio Valley, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic in the weekend through the next week.

AccuWeather said the heatwave will continue to move eastward towards the Great Lakes, central Appalachians, mid-Atlantic and New England.

What will be the range of temperatures?

Brace yourselves as the daily high temperatures are forecasted to be in the 90s, with overnight temperatures only dropping to the mid-70s. According to the Weather Prediction Center, “the first significant heat wave of the year can pose more danger.”Those without adequate cooling facilities may be at a higher risk and thus it is advised to limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated and stay in air-conditioned or cool areas.Disclaimer: This information is provided for general awareness and does not replace official guidance. Weather forecasts and heat‑wave developments are subject to change.