Summary
A heat wave hit the U.S. East Coast, causing record high temperatures and a high demand for power. The heat is expected to drop significantly as a cold front moves in, bringing cooler weather by the end of the week.
Key Facts
- A heat wave on the U.S. East Coast broke over 50 heat records, with 21 places reaching temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
- About 127 million Americans were under heat advisories as issued by the National Weather Service.
- Temperatures will drop by 30 degrees as a cold front from New England moves in.
- Record temperatures on Tuesday included 105 degrees in Baltimore and 102 degrees in Boston.
- The heat caused a spike in power demand, with the largest grid operator reaching peak levels not seen since 2011.
- The phenomenon of “weather whiplash” describes rapidly changing weather patterns, which scientists associate with climate change.
- The extreme heat affected a range from North Carolina to New York and west to West Virginia.
- Slightly warmer than usual temperatures are expected to return after the cold front passes.
