Temperatures are expected to rise this Father’s Day weekend in an area stretching from the Southwest to the Gulf Coast and Southeast, according to the National Weather Service.
The Southwest is forecast to receive triple-digit temperatures, while parts of the Southeast and Southern Plains could experience temperatures in the upper 90s.
“Above-average temperatures are also forecast in the central Great Basin and northern Plains ahead of a cold front, with well-below-average temperatures spanning the Pacific Northwest,” the National Weather Service said in an update Saturday.
Six counties in Arizona are under excessive heat warnings over the weekend, including Maricopa, Pinal and Graham counties.
Temperatures are also expected to rise next week, from the Midwest to the Northeast, where “several dozen” record highs are expected in the afternoon.
“On Sunday, an upper-level ridge is forecast to begin building across the eastern U.S., with anomalous heat beginning across much of the Midwest, central Plains and Tennessee Valley,” the weather service said. “Highs are expected to reach 90 degrees, with maximum heat indexes approaching 105 degrees. When combined with cold temperatures at night, a high heat risk can affect anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.”
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont activated the state’s extremely hot weather protocol in preparation for scorching temperatures Tuesday through Sunday.
The weather service warned that heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths and encouraged people to stay in shady or air-conditioned areas, wear light-colored clothing and stay hydrated.
“Take this seriously,” the weather service said on X.
Eric Mendoza It is Madison Lambert contributed.
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