Heather Diehl/Getty Images

By Joe Edwards

Reporter

0

Share

Newsweek is a Trust Project member

See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

As an expansive heat dome engulfs a large portion of the country, several locations in the Eastern U.S. could feel hotter than California's Death Valley, known as the hottest place on Earth, on Friday.

Why It Matters

The heat comes during one of the year’s biggest holiday weekends, when Americans are likely to spend long hours outside at beaches, barbecues, parades and fireworks displays.

Read More on Weather

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has warned that the hot and humid conditions will create "major-to-extreme" HeatRisk across much of the eastern half of the country, meaning the danger extends beyond people typically considered vulnerable to heat.

What To Know

Unlike the standard air temperature, which measures how hot the air actually is, the heat index, or apparent temperature, reflects how hot it feels to the human body when humidity is factored in.

According to National Weather Service (NWS) data, Furnace Creek, a community within Death Valley—often referred to as the hottest place on Earth—is expected to see a peak heat index value of 102 degrees on Friday.

That’s notably lower than the 113 degrees forecast for Washington, D.C., by the agency on Friday.

Elsewhere, the NWS forecasts the following peak heat index values for these cities across the eastern U.S. on Friday:

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 111 degrees.
• New York, New York: 114 degrees.
• Fredericksburg, Virginia: 114 degrees.
• Woodbridge, Virginia: 114 degrees.
• Baltimore, Maryland: 113 degrees.
• Annapolis, Maryland: 113 degrees.
• Fairfax, Virginia: 112 degrees.
• Newark, New Jersey: 111 degrees.
• Richmond, Virginia: 111 degrees.
• Stafford, Virginia: 115 degrees.

As of Friday morning, extreme heat warnings or heat advisories from the NWS cover all or parts of at least 28 states across the Midwest, Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Southeast regions of the U.S.

Fourth of July Weather Forecast

Forecasters at AccuWeather expect a mix of intense heat, thunderstorms and wildfire smoke across the U.S. over the July 4 holiday.

A heat dome will keep much of the central and eastern U.S. hotter than normal, while the most intense heat is expected in parts of the northern Rockies and interior West as the weekend progresses.

The stormiest areas are expected from Colorado and New Mexico east to Florida, then up the Atlantic Seaboard, with possible tropical development near the southern Atlantic or Gulf coasts, according to the outlet.

World Cup Games

The heat will also coincide with FIFA World Cup knockout matches in the region.

Paraguay will face France at Philadelphia Stadium at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, when the NWS forecast for Philadelphia calls for a high near 101 degrees.

Brazil will play Norway at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, when the NWS forecast for East Rutherford calls for a high near 89 degrees.

How To Stay Cool in a Heatwave

AccuWeather meteorologist Adam Douty shared with Newsweek the following tips for staying cool as temperatures soar:

• “Place a cool, damp washcloth or ice pack (wrapped in a towel) on your wrists, neck, ankles, or behind your knees. These areas have blood vessels close to the skin and can help you feel cooler more quickly.”
• “Put a damp hand towel in a sealed plastic bag and freeze it for 20–30 minutes. Drape it over your shoulders or around your neck for quick relief while outdoors.”
• “Place your pillowcase or top sheet in a plastic bag and refrigerate or freeze it briefly before bedtime. It won't stay cold all night, but it can make it easier to fall asleep.”
• “Soaking your feet in cool water for 10–15 minutes can help reduce the sensation of overheating.”
• “Eat water-rich frozen snacks. Frozen grapes, watermelon cubes, cucumber slices, or homemade fruit pops made from blended fruit can help cool you while also providing hydration.”
• “Use evaporation to your advantage. Lightly mist your skin with water and sit in front of a fan. As the water evaporates, it can increase cooling. This might work in an air-conditioned environment, but with humidity so high during this heatwave, it would not be very effective outside since water will not evaporate as fast.”

View 0 Comments

Request Reprint & Licensing

Submit Correction

View Editorial & AI Guidelines