WASHINGTON — The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories across multiple U.S. states as a broad area of high temperatures and humidity builds over the central and eastern parts of the country.
Officials warned Thursday that heat index values could reach 100 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 to 42 degrees Celsius) in affected regions, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. Advisories cover portions of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois and other states, with additional alerts extending into the Midwest and Northeast.
The National Weather Service offices issued the alerts earlier in the week as a high-pressure system drives above-normal temperatures. Forecasters said conditions are expected to persist through Friday in many areas, with highs in the low to mid-90s Fahrenheit combined with humid air.
In the central Plains and Midwest, heat index values over 100 degrees Fahrenheit are forecast in several population centers and surrounding counties. Similar advisories are in effect for parts of the Northeast, including areas around New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where indices could approach or exceed 100 degrees.
Health officials have urged residents to take precautions, particularly the elderly, children and those with preexisting conditions. Recommended measures include staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity during peak heat hours and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
"Heat index values up to 103 degrees expected," the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey, stated in one advisory, highlighting risks across portions of the mid-Atlantic region.
The early-season heat follows broader forecasts for above-normal temperatures across much of the lower 48 states in mid-June. Some areas have already seen records or near-records for the date, though specific widespread record tallies were not immediately available from federal monitoring centers.
No widespread reports of heat-related fatalities or major disruptions were confirmed in initial alerts as of Thursday. Local emergency management agencies in affected states are activating cooling centers and distributing heat safety information.
The National Weather Service continues to monitor the system. Additional advisories or extensions may be issued depending on observed conditions and forecasts. Residents in impacted areas are advised to consult local weather offices for the latest updates.
