With the seasonal solstice occurring on Thursday, the summer of 2024 is kicking off with a weeklong heatwave expected for the East Coast and Midwest. Major cities such as Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Boston, New York City, and Albany, New York are predicted to experience extreme heat, with temperatures potentially lasting through Friday and beyond. The high pressure system, known as an upper-level ridge, is expanding over the Ohio Valley and extending across the Midwest and East Coast, bringing clear skies, warm, stable air, and record-breaking temperatures in the 90s and beyond.
Meteorologists are forecasting that some areas may see temperatures reaching as high as 105 degrees. These temperatures are expected to be up to 25 degrees above normal for many regions under this summer system. New temperature records could be set from the Ohio Valley, Lower Great Lakes, northern Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast. The National Weather Service office for Pittsburgh has even suggested that this heatwave could be the most impactful of the 21st century.
In response to the extreme heat, Buffalo Public Schools announced that they will be implementing half days for four out of the five days of the week. This decision will allow pre-K through 8th grade students to go home by the end of the lunch hour, when temperatures are forecasted to be the hottest. While the days are expected to be scorching, nights will bring some relief with temperatures dropping into the upper 60s and 70s across the affected regions.
As the heatwave continues, early Monday saw 71 million Americans placed under a heat advisory or excessive heat watch by the National Weather Service. Additionally, separate sections of the nation also expect to face extreme temperatures. Flash flooding is a concern in the Dakotas and Minnesota on the northwest side of the heatwave, while rain from the Gulf of Mexico is expected to bring wet weather to parts of Texas and Louisiana, possibly lasting through Wednesday.
Overall, the beginning of summer in 2024 is marked by a significant heatwave affecting the East Coast and Midwest. With record-breaking temperatures and potential heat lasting for days, both residents and authorities are taking precautions to stay safe and cool during this extreme weather event. The impact of this heatwave is expected to be significant, with some areas potentially experiencing the hottest temperatures in decades. Nighttime temperatures are expected to provide some relief, but the heatwave is forecasted to persist through the end of the week.
