The heat wave that has been baking North America for over the past week is still cooking, but forecasters say some relief is in sight for millions of people.
The struggle has been real, as days of above-average temperatures combined with high humidity and little overnight relief has led to dangerous heat conditions across the Midwest, Northeast and other portions of the country.
The National Weather Service has been issuing heat advisories by the dozen, warning that temperatures would climb past 90 and even top 100 degrees in some areas, shattering records.
Forecasters say the ongoing heat wave will continue Monday and Tuesday from much of the Great Plains to the lower Mississippi River Valley and into northern Florida. Dangerous heat is also expected in southern California and Puerto Rico.
A cold front could bring a bit of relief from the heat on Monday, according to the NWS. It won't really cause temperatures to drop much, but a low pressure system will reduce the heavy humidity that has been choking the air.
"Welcome relief from the heat will come... with highs generally in the 70s and 80s. Temperatures will return closer to average Tuesday, with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s," said the NWS Weather Prediction Center.
As some get a temporary break from sweltering, the heat dome is setting its aim toward the south.
"A broad upper-level ridge will build over the central/western U.S., shifting the focus for the ongoing heat wave to the Southeast, Mid-South, and central/southern Plains early this week," the NWS said. "Forecast high temperatures will continue to soar into the upper 90s over the region, with low 100s possible over the central Plains. When combined with the humidity, heat index values may reach as high as 110, prompting widespread Heat Advisories."
All this heat really spells trouble, especially since summer just started. We likely haven't seen the worst of it yet.
"The arrival of this more intense heat early in the summer season leads to
a higher level of heat-related stress, especially for those outdoors and
without reliable air conditioning available," the NWS said.
Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the U.S., resulting in more than 1,000 deaths each year, per the CDC. Protect yourself and others when it's hot outside by staying cool, staying hydrated, and staying informed.