Forecast Heat Wave to Affect More Than Half of U.S. Through July 4 Weekend

A heat wave is forecast to affect more than half of the United States through the July 4 weekend, CBS News reported. Dangerously high temperatures are ramping up Wednesday, with heat index readings of 100 to 115 degrees expected from the Midwest to the East Coast.

More than 300 records are expected to be set by Saturday, including more than 100 record highs and more than 200 record warm overnight lows, CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan said.

Temperatures will be 20 to 30 degrees above average. New York City is forecast to reach triple-digit temperatures Thursday and Friday. Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated these are extremely dangerous conditions and recommended that all New Yorkers stay inside and stay cool.

The city is deploying vans staffed with nurses and paramedics for the first time to hand out water, electrolytes and sunscreen, and is opening cooling centers throughout the five boroughs. Philadelphia organizers shortened plans for the city's Salute to Independence parade Friday due to the heat.

In Nashville, temperatures could reach a high of 101 degrees and feel like 114, and heat patrols began handing out cold bottled water to the city's homeless population during peak hours.

For Thursday and Friday, with a forecast high of 103 degrees. A high of 101 is expected on Saturday, July 4, which would top the capital's highest recorded temperature for that date of 100 degrees set in 1919. D.C.

Mayor Muriel Bowser urged residents and visitors to plan ahead, stay in the shade and limit time outdoors. Heat alerts are in effect for much of the central and northeastern U.S. through Saturday night, July 4.