Map Shows 2 States Break Heat Records Amid Soaring Temperatures

Cities in at least two states have broken daily high temperature records this week as temperatures soar across the central and eastern U.S.

The high heat follows a cold front that lasted several days last week, plummeting temperatures to those more commonly associated with fall weather. The central part of the country, however, has seen the high summer temperatures return and the heat wave creeping eastward as the week progresses. On Wednesday, the National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Prediction Center warned that record heat would persist across the Middle Atlantic, Ohio Valley, Tennessee Valley and the interior Southeast.

On Tuesday, heat broke prior daily high records in several cities in Illinois and Indiana.

“A few daily records were broken yesterday for August 27th,” the NWS office in northern Indiana posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday morning. “South Bend set a new record high of 97 degrees. South Bend also set a daily rainfall record of 1.19 inches. Fort Wayne reached a high of 96 degrees which tied the record for the date. Heat Advisory continues today.”

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A few daily records were broken yesterday for August 27th. South Bend set a new record high of 97 degrees. South Bend also set a daily rainfall record of 1.19 inches. Fort Wayne reached a high of 96 degrees which tied the record for the date. Heat Advisory continues today. pic.twitter.com/1FMcV4sM3I

— NWS Northern Indiana (@NWSIWX) August 28, 2024

On Tuesday afternoon, the NWS office in Chicago said that temperatures had tied the daily record high at 97 degrees at O’Hare International Airport but posted an update later that day.

“Quick update, the temperature is now up to 98°F, breaking the record. The heat index is up to 114°F,” the office said.

Moline, Illinois, also saw record high temperatures.

“Record high temperature of 98 degrees set at Moline for today August 27th! This breaks the old #record of 97 set back in 1976,” NWS Quad Cities posted.

In addition to record-breaking temperatures, several other cities also saw temperatures tie a previous record, including Dubuque, Illinois, at 94 degrees; St. Louis at 102 degrees, a record previously set in 1881; and Louisville, Kentucky.

NWS meteorologist Marc Chenard told Newsweek that on Wednesday, the worst of the heat would be felt in southern Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia.

As of Wednesday morning, heat advisories remained in place for Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, as well as across several East Coast states. An excessive heat warning was in place for New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the excessive heat warning said. “Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”

Chenard said the heat is expected to peak on Wednesday. High temperatures will dissipate by this weekend, according to the NWS HeatRisk, a tool assessing 24-hour heat-related impacts.