(CNN) — More than 35 million people are under a heat advisory this weekend across the northeastern United States as record temperatures stretch from Virginia to New Hampshire.
“If maximum temperatures reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32°C) or higher, records will be broken for the day and month,” said on friday the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Boston.
The NWS forecasts Boston to see highs of 96°F (35°C) on Sunday. The daily record for that day is 93°F (32°C), while the monthly record for May is 97°F (36°C), set on May 26, 1880.
Boston’s records are held at Logan International Airport, which is right next to the ocean, so those temperatures tend to be milder than inland. And if the sea breeze sets in the right direction, it could prevent temperatures at the airport from reaching records.
In Worcester, Massachusetts, the daily highs for Saturday and Sunday are 88°F (31°C) and 90°F (32°C), but the forecast for this weekend anticipates that they will be exceeded.
The high forecast for Saturday is 96°F (35°C), breaking not only the daily record but also the monthly record of 94°F (35°C) set in 2010.
“We’re definitely a little bit ahead of the curve,” said Matthew Belk, a meteorologist with the NWS Boston office. “The first average 90°F (32°C) day in Boston is June 8. But it’s a little earlier when you head out to Hartford, Connecticut, since May 30th is usually the first average 90° day F (32°C)”.
This weekend’s early-season heat wave is due to high pressure on the East Coast that has caused southerly winds to push hot, moist air into the Northeast, causing temperatures in the 20s (11 C) and 30 degrees Fahrenheit (16°C) above normal for this time of year.
But it’s not just New England that will experience extreme temperatures this weekend. Record high temperatures will also be felt in the I-95 corridor, including New York, Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Half the population feels the heat
Nearly 170 million people, about 52% of the population of the lower 48 US states, will feel 90°F (32°C) heat for the next few days.
“More than half of the US population will have temperatures at or above 90°F (32°C) this weekend, and it’s only May,” CNN’s Pedram Javaheri said.
In some areas, it’s not just the heat, but also the humidity, which will push temperatures into the triple digits.
Both Richmond, Virginia and Philadelphia are expecting a high of 97°F (36°C) on Saturday, but due to humidity it will feel like 100°F (37°C).
Nearby Baltimore will host the 147th Preakness Stakes. Fortunately, the departure time, 19:01, will not be the hottest of the day, but it will still be very hot. The expected temperature for the start of the race is 91°F (32°C)
“Saturday is forecast to be the hottest day of the weekend, with many locations reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32°C) and heat indices approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37°C),” said the NWS office in Baltimore/Washington. “With many outdoor events planned for the region this weekend, please be aware of the heat and take extra precautions if you work or spend time outdoors this weekend.”
As if the heat wave wasn’t enough, the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast also have the potential for severe storms this weekend.
A cold front will produce isolated severe storms with high winds and hail as the main threats.
“Thunderstorms are forecast to develop along the front around noon in western New York, moving eastward in eastern New York and western New England during the afternoon,” the spokesman said. Storm Prediction Center. “Some clumps or line segments are forecast to persist into early evening.”
Heat is the number one killer
Even if the calendar doesn’t show it’s summer yet, Mother Nature has other plans, so it’s important to be aware of the dangers with this heat wave. For example, she never leaves children or animals in a hot car. Never.
“Since this is going to be the first heat wave of the year, it’s important to really be aware of any heat illness or heat stroke-related symptoms and be especially wary of them and have extra water on hand to combat that and the importance shadow,” according to Aaron Swiggett, a meteorologist with the NWS office in Raleigh.
Swiggett also points out that the predicted temperatures are actually for shade, not for direct sunlight. So, keep in mind that the anticipated high temperature will feel even hotter in direct sun.
“Heat is a sneaky killer,” says Chesnea Skeen, a meteorologist with the NWS Baltimore/Washington office. “A lot of people don’t see him as much of a threat, but he’s actually one of the biggest killers when it comes to extreme weather.
Skeen stresses that it’s important to take the heat seriously.
“Make sure you hydrate, stay in the shade, get out of the sun when possible,” Skeen said. “And keep an eye on people nearby who may be more susceptible to heat, such as the young and the elderly and those who might be compromised.”
The good news is that this heat wave is short-lived. Once the cold front passes the East Coast on Monday, temperatures will dip back into the 60°F (15°C) and 70°F (21°C) in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.