Heat Wave Strikes Early—Record Temperatures Forecast in Maps

Record temperatures are forecast across the Midwest and Northeast in an early heat wave, with the risk of fatalities so high that the National Guard has been activated in one state to help the public.

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Stretching from Ohio to New York State, temperatures have soared into the triple digits—and the National Weather Service (NWS) has predicted they will reach as high as 105 degrees in some places.

Maps from the NWS show how record highs could sweep the region. These temperatures are also occurring earlier in the year than normal. For example, Cleveland in Ohio is forecast to be 92 degrees on Wednesday, June 19, yet the average temperature there in mid-July is 84 degrees.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has called in the National Guard to assist in heat emergencies over the coming days, and also waived admission and parking fees at state parks, pools, and beaches. She previously activated the National Guard earlier this year in an attempt to combat subway violence.

Hochul posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday: "It is dangerously hot out there, New York. Remember to hydrate, reduce time outside, and check on neighbors."

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In a previous post, she had warned: "Extreme heat is the number-one weather-related cause of death in the U.S. Make sure you're prepared."

Further issues surrounding public safety have arisen due to the Juneteenth holiday. What should be a celebration of liberation has led to the holiday closure of several cooling centers and shelters across the Midwest and East Coast. Libraries, senior centers, and pools, which otherwise would be open, have been shut for the holiday, frustrating many.

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Schools have canceled outdoor trips, and even tropical animals in zoos are struggling under the oppressive heat. Ted Fox, executive director at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, said elephants, tigers, and other animals were being given chunks of ice.

"The tigers love to lick the ice," Fox said.

An official heat wave is when abnormally hot weather lasts for more than two days. The starting temperatures of the heat wave this year have already broken records.

Chicago saw a high of 97 degrees on Monday, June 17, breaking a 1957 temperature record. The NWS has reported that Wednesday will be another hot day, but a cold front is expected later in the week to bring relief to areas near Lake Michigan.

The NWS has published extensive advice to their website on how to cope with extreme temperatures. This advice includes wearing loose-fitting clothing, drinking water even if you're not thirsty, and staying indoors as much as possible.

For people who cannot stay indoors, they recommend taking plenty of 15-minute breaks, lathering on sunscreen, staying in shade as much as possible, and slowing down.

Newsweek has reached out to the NWS for additional comment.