Map Shows Cities Hit Heat Records Amid ‘Roasting’ Temperatures

As a scorching heat wave grips large portions of the United States, numerous cities are shattering temperature records, leaving residents sweltering and meteorologists concerned.

A map of the affected areas reveals a stark picture of the widespread impact, with the Southeast, mid-South, and central/southern Plains bearing the brunt of the extreme weather.

The National Weather Service (NWS) offices across the country have been busy tracking and reporting these record-breaking temperatures. In Alabama, the NWS Birmingham office reported on X, formerly Twitter, that the city tied its record high with a sweltering 99°F. The office itself recorded an even higher temperature, hitting the century mark at 100°F.

“Birmingham, AL tied their record high today with 99°. We managed to hit the century mark here at BMX with a high temperature of 100°,” the NWS Birmingham post read.

Further east in North Carolina, a city broke its own record. The NWS Wilmington office announced, “Wilmington just hit 99 degrees here at the airport, a new record for today and the hottest in the Port City since August 9, 2019.”

These record-breaking temperatures are part of a broader pattern of extreme heat affecting much of the country. The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center warns that a broad upper-level ridge building over the west-central U.S. will continue to produce potentially hazardous heat over the next few days.

High temperatures are expected to soar into the upper 90s across much of the Plains and Mississippi Valley and into southeastern portions of the Lower 48, with some areas in the central Plains potentially reaching the low 100s. When combined with humidity, heat index values may reach as high as 110°F, prompting Heat Advisories and some Excessive Heat Warnings.

The heat wave is further exacerbated by warm nights, with low temperatures mostly remaining in the mid- to upper 70s, offering little overnight relief. This persistent heat, especially early in the summer season, leads to a higher level of heat-related stress, particularly for those without reliable air conditioning and who must spend time outdoors.

While some areas are experiencing extreme dry heat, others are dealing with a combination of heat and humidity. The NWS Birmingham office noted, “Some of us are getting welcomed rain this morning. We measured 0.04″ here at the office. Some will see more than that (Tuscaloosa) while some of you will see none at all. Unfortunately, it will still be roasting today with highs in the mid/upper 90s.”

The heat wave’s focus is shifting to the Southeast, mid-South, and central/southern Plains into midweek. While the north-central U.S. can expect some relief from the heat Tuesday and especially Wednesday behind a cold front, the southern Plains to mid-South to Southeast will maintain potentially dangerously hot conditions through the period.

Adding to the weather strife, severe storms and flash flooding are possible for portions of the upper Midwest into Monday night, shifting slightly south on Tuesday. The Storm Prediction Center has issued an Enhanced Risk of severe weather (level 3/5) for parts of the region, with tornadoes and large hail possible. The primary threat, however, is a corridor of very high wind across southern Wisconsin and surrounding states.

As the weather system moves eastward, a cold front pushing southeastward into the Midwest/Great Lakes region on Tuesday could lead to storms developing along and ahead of the front.

By Wednesday, the southeastward progression of the front will produce thunderstorm chances from the lower/middle Mississippi Valley into the Tennessee and Ohio Valley to the mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

The Southwest and Four Corners Region are experiencing persistent monsoon-like conditions, adding another layer of complexity to the nation’s weather patterns.

As this heat wave continues to impact large swathes of the country, officials urge residents to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned spaces when possible, and check on vulnerable neighbors.