It's Getting Hot in Here

National Weather Service breakdown of America's current heatwave

Hydrate before you start reading this.

It's July, so you expect it to be hot. Still, a dangerous heat wave continues across the central and eastern U.S. through the end of this week, with severe weather and heavy rain threats continuing across "the Plains, Upper Midwest, Southeast, and Northeast the next few days," according to the most recent update from the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center.

While temperature records are iffy because of recording limitations over the years, it's still worth noting that the NWS has predicted a number of record highs for the extended weekend: "Widespread highs within the mid 90s to low to mid 100s, combined with dewpoints in the 70s, will produce peak heat indices between 100-115 degrees. Numerous daily temperature records are possible, while warm overnight lows in the 70s to 80s will provide little relief, bringing Major to Extreme HeatRisk conditions across the Midwest into the East Coast."

These conditions can bring an increased risk for heat-related illness, especially for vulnerable populations and those without adequate cooling. Several areas across the Mississippi Valley, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Northeast have issued Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories through Friday.