Extreme heat is here, but forecast calls for 'big change'

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Folks sick of the scorching temperatures in the East will finally see some relief as August begins, forecasters say, but not before a final push of searing heat and potent thunderstorms.

"A big change in the weather pattern will arrive in the Northeast around the same time the calendar flips to August," said AccuWeather meteorologist Elizabeth Danco in an online forecast. Temperatures by the weekend will be 5 to 10 degrees below normal in the East, the National Weather Service said.

However, Danco said that before the shift, "millions will contend with high humidity and potentially flooding downpours."

Record heat before the cooldown

According to weather service meteorologist Mussie Kebede, the weather pattern will "continue to generate a dangerous and prolonged heat wave across the central and eastern U.S. through the end of the month" and, "daily high temperatures well into the 90s and 100s with little to no overnight relief will be particularly dangerous to those without adequate cooling or hydration."

The heat is also likely to break daily temperature records through the week, especially across Florida on July 29, with highs around 100 degrees. In the Northeast, highs in the mid to upper 90s may tie or break existing temperature records as well. "Numerous warm minimum temperature records are also expected," Kebede said.

The millions of Americans in the path of the heat wave should plan to take extra measures to stay cool through at least July 30. According to the weather service, long periods of extreme heat with no nighttime relief create significant stress on the body.

"Be sure to limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated, and ensure access to A/C or cooling centers. Additionally, be sure to check on vulnerable family members, friends and neighbors," the weather service said.

Severe storms, flooding possible

The same front that is driving the risk of severe weather across the Plains and Midwest early week will gradually push south across the Northeast into late week, Danco said. The hot and moisture-rich air in the region will help fuel severe thunderstorms during the day and evening of July 30.

Tropical moisture will surge in from the south, providing ample moisture for persistent downpours to set up from portions of Tennessee into southern New England, according to Danco. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are expected late week in places where the most persistent downpours occur.

High rain rates in widespread thunderstorms should also lead to a flash flooding risk, the weather service warned.

"Flash flooding will be the primary hazard. Drenching thunderstorms could also bring reduced visibility, ponding on roads and slowed travel. There will also be a risk of locally damaging wind gusts and lightning strikes," Danco said.

Front to bring heat relief

Into the weekend, highs of 5 to 10 degrees below normal are forecast in the East, while much of the Plains can expect highs of 10 to 15 degrees below average, with highs in the 70s as far south as Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle, the weather service said.

"Taking a peek even further into the first week of August, cooler-than-average temperatures are expected to stick around across much of the Great Lakes, Midwest and Northeast," said Weather.com meteorologist Caitlin Kaiser in an online forecast.

More: Summer 2025 brings killer heat. Here are some surprising ways to stay safe.

Heat safety basics

Paste BN has compiled a list of heat safety tips to keep in mind, including:

• Use sunblock or sunscreen: And reapply it regularly (every two hours is a good baseline.)
• Dress for the heat: Pick loose-fitting, light-colored and lightweight clothes, the National Weather Service recommends.
• Don't leave kids or pets in the car: The temperature quickly becomes deadly, even if it's not very hot out.
• Check the weather: Your favorite weather app should have a wealth of information about UV index (for sunblock purposes), heat warnings and the "feels like" temperature. Heat.gov has additional information about the forecast and heat risk.
• Bring water: You'll need multiple bottles of water per person if you're spending extended time in the sun. (How many bottles? Read more here.)
• Seek shade and air conditioning: Minimize your risk by staying cool and avoiding direct sun when you can.
• Know your risks: Heat is dangerous for everyone, but some people are more vulnerable than others. Being a child, over 65 or pregnant puts you at greater risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.