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Record Heat Wave Scorches Mid-Atlantic This Week
15 Apr
Summary
- Record-breaking heat with temperatures in the 90s is expected this week.
- A high-pressure system is causing the unseasonable warmth and fire threats.
- Last month was the hottest March on record for the continental U.S.
Parts of the mid-Atlantic and Southeast are experiencing summer-like conditions this week, with temperatures expected to reach the 90s and potentially break daily records. This heat wave, beginning Tuesday and continuing through Thursday, is significantly warmer than the seasonal average, with some areas seeing highs 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit above normal.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings about an elevated heat risk, noting that even with low humidity, the impact will be considerable. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and wear light-colored clothing outdoors. Some cities like Washington D.C., Atlanta, Raleigh, Charlotte, Baltimore, and Philadelphia could see temperatures exceeding 90 degrees.
This anomalous warmth is caused by a high-pressure system blocking cooler air masses. The dry air and strong winds accompanying this system also heighten the risk of fires spreading rapidly. These conditions follow a record-breaking March, which was the hottest on record for the continental United States, with ten states including California and Texas experiencing their warmest March ever.
