Record-threatening heat to hit Richmond this week

A major heat wave is headed toward Richmond this week — and possibly longer.

Why it matters: The heat is threatening to break records across the U.S. , and heightening health risks since people are not yet accustomed to high temperatures this time of the year.

Driving the news: Temps are forecast to reach 91°F Monday, but the hot, humid weather isn't done with us yet, per the National Weather Service (NWS).

• The high this week isn't dropping below 91°F. Not once.
• So far, it's peaking at 100°F on Sunday — the highest temp of the year.
• With rising humidity, parts of the Richmond area could feel above that.

Zoom in: It'll likely be hotter in lower-income neighborhoods that have fewer trees and residents who may not have AC, which can face an up to 16°F difference from the city's more shaded, affluent areas at peak heat.

• Richmond has two cooling stations with water and AC at 900 E. Marshall St. and 4100 Hull St. from 11am-6pm Monday through Saturday this week, per NBC12.
• All GRTC buses, which are fare free, have AC, too.

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 this 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 possibly the Mid-Atlantic, especially between June 17-20 .
• 1 hot fact: The Richmond area's highest temp recorded in June was 104°F in 1952.

What's next: The risk of excessive heat is predicted to last until June 26 for most of the East Coast.

Go deeper: Virginians might need to brace for a long, hot summer .