Record-threatening heat wave bound for Philadelphia

A major heat wave is heading toward Philadelphia.

Why it matters: The heat could threaten records across the U.S. and heighten health risks since people are not yet accustomed to the high temperatures this time of year.

Driving the news: Temps are expected to reach 90 on Friday, but the hot, humid weather will really kick into gear next week, per the National Weather Service (NWS).

• Tuesday is forecast to reach above 95, and again Wednesday, with the heat index making it feel near 100, NWS meteorologist Amanda Lee tells Axios.
• The regional risk of excessive heat is predicted to stretch from June 20-26.

Plus: Low temps will likely only drop into the 70s, offering little relief to those without adequate or reliable cooling, per the NWS.

The big picture: A large area of high pressure, also known as a heat dome, is building over much of the central and eastern half of the country into next week, computer models and NWS forecasts show.

• Highs are forecast to be well into the 90s and potentially in the low 100s in the South and potentially mid-Atlantic, especially between June 17-20 .

🌡️ 1 hot fact: The Philly area's highest temp recorded in June was 102 in 1934 .

What they're saying: The temperatures Philadelphia will see next week will be above normal for mid-June, as they usually hover around the upper 80s, Lee says.

What's ahead: The Climate Prediction Center is saying the heat threat is likely to continue across the East through the end of June, and build once again in the West and Southwest .

• The latest computer model projections for the summer show an overall tilt toward hotter-than-average conditions across the country.

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