Key takeaways
- The National Weather Service is warning at least 18 states in the eastern U.S. of an extreme heat wave with temperatures soaring over 100 degrees.
- The heat wave is expected to start on Sunday, June 28, 2026, and linger through the July 4 weekend, with heat indices potentially reaching 115 degrees.
- The NWS advises staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities, and checking on vulnerable individuals to stay safe during the extreme heat wave
The eastern third of the U.S. could see extreme heat this week, as warnings predict temperatures soaring over 100 degrees The National Weather Service is warning at least 18 states that extreme heat, even record-setting and "dangerous" temperatures, are coming, starting Monday, June 29, 2026. According to NWS, the extreme heat wave should linger through the July 4 weekend.
Heat indices - which measure how the heat feels to the body - could soar to 115-degrees, the National Weather Service warned. "High or moderate extreme heat risks cover much of the U.S. east of the Rockies July 4-5, with a broader slight risk through July 7 extending as far west as the Great Basin," NWS predicts. Even at night, temperatures might stay as high as 80 degrees, providing little relief over the July 4 weekend, NWS reported. The "significant" heat wave starts on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
"Dangerous to record setting heat will expand across the eastern two-thirds of the nation this week," the National Weather Service wrote on X, sharing a map that showed at least 18 states with purple coloring to indicate extreme heat is possible.
The National Weather Service Warned That Local 'Heat Indices' Could Reach 115 Degrees
The NWS also warned that the "dangerous heat wave will impact the central & eastern U.S. starting Sun and continue through the Jul 4 weekend. Highs will be in the 90s-100s with heat indices of 100–110° (locally 115°). Warm nights will offer little relief. Stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, and seek A/C."
A heat index combines the ambient air temperature with the relative humidity, according to NWS, to better measure how people are perceiving high temperatures.
"Dangerous to record breaking heat will build across the center of the nation and slowly build eastward this week. Wildfire conditions remain critical for the Southwest and portions of the Great Basin through Monday," added the NWS. "For the northern Plains and upper Midwest, severe thunderstorms with the potential for large to very large hail."
Chicago residents cool off.
(Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)
Out west, the temperatures are expected to be very different. "With the upper-level trough over western U.S., temperatures will continue to trend cooler than average with highs within 20-35 degrees below normal through Monday," the NWS wrote.
"Across the eastern half of the U.S., a dangerous heatwave is expect to build on Sunday with highs mostly within the 90s to low 100s....Dangerous heat begins to build on Sunday across much of central and eastern U.S., while below normal temperatures persist over the west."
The National Weather Service Offered Suggestions for Staying Safe During the Extreme Heat Wave
"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors," the National Weather Service suggests.
The National Weather Service also offered some tips for staying safe in the extreme heat. They include:
Stay hydrated at job sites. Take breaks in the shade when possible.
Do NOT leave kids or pets unattended in hot cars. "Look before you lock."
"Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade, and stay hydrated."
"Check up on the elderly, sick and those without AC."
The "heat-related impacts" for Wisconsin are expected through at least Thursday, July 2, 2026, according to NWS.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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