The U.S. is enduring a severe heat wave this weekend, with Washington, D.C., experiencing its highest temperature since 2012. On Saturday, the capital hit 100 degrees for the first time in over a decade, just one degree shy of the record for the date, according to the National Weather Service’s (NWS) Baltimore-Washington office.
Maryland also broke a daily high temperature record, reaching 101 degrees in Baltimore, prompting the Maryland Zoo to adopt creative methods to keep its animals cool.
The heat wave has triggered an air quality health advisory for New York City and its surrounding areas. Over the weekend, pollution levels in New York City, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley exceeded an Air Quality Index of 100. Newark’s Mayor Ras J. Baraka issued a code red warning as temperatures reached the high 90s.
According to the NWS, from the East Coast to the Southern Plains and much of the Pacific Northwest, Great Basin, and California, temperatures ranged from the mid-90s to the low 100s. Heat advisories remain in effect for more than 100 million people, with the heat wave expected to continue across the eastern U.S.
“These temperatures remain the most anomalous and dangerous for early summer over portions of the Midwest/Ohio Valley east to the Mid-Atlantic,” the NWS stated. “Heat-related advisories and warnings are in place as humidity will bring heat index values as high as the mid-100s.”
The heat index reflects how temperatures feel to the human body when humidity is factored in.
On Sunday, the heat began moving southward, bringing relief to the Midwest and Ohio Valley but continuing to scorch the Mid-Atlantic region.
Meanwhile, southern and western New England have experienced storms, and historic flooding has hit Iowa. A levee broke in Rock Valley, leading to an evacuation order as the city lost power and water. Spencer, Iowa, faced similar issues, with its sewer plant flooding and residents being urged to conserve water.
High temperatures in western and central states were expected to cool slightly. The Central and Northern High Plains and Central to Southern California will continue to experience intense heat. The Desert Southwest faced monsoon-like conditions, which brought some relief while maintaining hot temperatures.
The NWS Los Angeles office warned residents of the ongoing heat and advised practicing heat safety measures such as staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, and never leaving children or pets in parked cars.
Meanwhile, in the District, Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office emphasized the importance of limiting outdoor activities, particularly for vulnerable populations like older adults and those with health conditions. The mayor highlighted the rapid onset of heat stroke, urging residents to recognize symptoms such as dry red skin, convulsions, throbbing headaches, disorientation, chills, delirium, and coma.
Health officials warned that extreme heat also impacts mental health, increasing irritability, symptoms of depression, and aggression. People with existing mental health conditions and those on certain medications are at higher risk. The District mobilized additional outreach teams and deployed cooling buses and centers across the city to help residents cope.
Residents are encouraged to stay cool, check on vulnerable neighbors, and call the shelter hotline for assistance with transportation to cooling centers. The last time D.C. saw temperatures exceed 100°F was August 15, 2016. Since 2000, such extreme heat has been rare, occurring just 25 times, mainly during the summers of 2010–2012.
“The hot daytime temperatures over several days, when combined with very warm low temperatures and humid conditions, is raising the risk of heat illness,” National Weather Service officials warned. “Heat illness is a serious concern. Please take necessary precautions to be ready for the upcoming heat.”
