Scorching heat sweeps across New York and the I-95 region; Washington DC remains in the line to climb up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Massive swathes of America baking under heat warnings: Over 100 million Americans, notably in the densely populated I-95 corridor, are under heat alerts till the weekend's end. A heat crisis is ongoing in Washington, D.C., where temperatures as high as the mid-90s to triple digits since 2016 are probable.
• Possible emergence of a new tropical system: A new tropical system might come into existence this weekend following Alberto. According to the National Hurricane Center, a system with a moderate likelihood of tropical development could follow a similar route as Alberto through the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and into northeastern Mexico this weekend. While this system is unlikely to be as expansive as Alberto, it could bring more rain to South Texas, potentially causing flooding issues there and along the Gulf Coast.
• Searing temperatures return to California: Heat alerts in California cover sections of southern and central California, including Colusa County, where firefighters struggle to control the Sites Fire that's spread over 19,100 acres. Forecasts predict temperatures between 100 and 106 degrees, which could hamper firefighting efforts. California is witnessing an active early fire season, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Since the year's beginning, over 89,700 acres have burnt, compared to 5,747 acres during the same period last year.
• Flood alarm in charred regions: A flash flood warning has been issued for Ruidoso and other New Mexico areas affected by the South Fork Fire following half an inch of rain in the morning, with more rain expected throughout the late afternoon hours. Rain earlier in the week caused a flash flood emergency with water rescues as a torrent of mud and water surged from scorched terrains. Land scorched by fire, also known as a burn scar, loses its ability to effectively absorb water and is more prone to flooding.
• Fatalities and devastation in New Mexico fires: In New Mexico, authorities reported at least 2 lives lost and 1,400 structures destroyed, with over 8,000 residents evacuated due to wildfires. Ruidoso, New Mexico's mayor, indicated preparations for further casualties in the fires and bringing in dogs to aid in the search for "more loss of life." The South Fork and Salt fires have collectively burned an estimated 24,000 acres and remain 0% contained as of Friday. Evacuations remain in place for Village of Ruidoso and City of Ruidoso Downs residents, and additional evacuation orders have been issued in at least seven more areas. Meanwhile, FBI special agents join the investigation into the cause of wildfires.
Intensifying and expanding heat wave this weekend
More record daily high temperatures are possible through the weekend as heat spreads to new areas and intensifies in others.
The severe heat and humidity will cause the heat index – or perceived temperature – to reach between 100 to 105 degrees across a wide area, with 110 degrees possible in the southern mid-Atlantic. Record low overnight temperatures will heighten health risks by limiting people's ability to cool down at night.
Heat will gather in Washington, D.C., on Friday and threaten triple-digits on Saturday and Sunday. The capital may potentially hit 100 degrees for the first time in eight years.
Washington, D.C.'s Mayor Muriel Bowser announced an extended heat emergency would remain active throughout the weekend and into the following week. The National Weather Service expects widespread temperatures in the mid-90s to triple digits in the city.
Maryland's Governor Wes Moore signed a state of preparedness declaration on Thursday ahead of the potentially hazardous heat wave. An excessive heat watch has been issued for most of the region for Saturday, according to the National Weather Service, with dangerous heat possible and temperatures expected to feel between 105 and 110 degrees.
The heat wave's prolonged duration is a significant concern. New York City residents may experience 90-degree temperatures or higher over the weekend until early next week. This would be the longest stretch ever in June for the city. For the first time this year, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the city.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the activation of the state's emergency operations center on Tuesday, stating that it would monitor conditions and provide resources to emergency management personnel across the state's 62 counties. Earlier this week, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced cooling centers will be accessible throughout the city.
Philadelphia extended a heat health emergency until midnight on Sunday, according to the state's Department of Public Health. Philadelphia has heat alerts in place through the weekend, with temperatures expected to feel close to 99 degrees.
New Jersey's heat alerts are in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Heat index values on Friday are expected to reach 95 to 100, and the temperature is expected to feel around 100 degrees statewide on Saturday and Sunday.
Heat is making a comeback in the West after a brief respite. Heat alerts have already been issued for sections of California, Arizona, and Utah. Temperatures are forecasted to increase by 10 to 15 degrees above normal for Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Sacramento, and Bakersfield, California, through the weekend.
CNN's Allison Chinchar, Eric Zerkel, Brandon Miller, Taylor Ward, Sara Tonks, Taylor Galgano, Andy Rose, and Josh Campbell contributed to this report.
Read also:
• The extreme heat affecting the I-95 region could further exacerbate the ongoing heat crisis, potentially pushing temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in areas under heat alerts.• In the midst of this scorching heatwave, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring a potential new tropical system, which could bring additional rain to South Texas, potentially causing flooding issues.
