Holiday Heat: Residents in central, eastern US brace for 100 temps during July 4 week, weekend

A dangerous heat wave is set to blanket most of the central and eastern United States this week, affecting over 140 million people. This comes as Americans prepare to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary over the Fourth of July weekend.​

"A strengthening upper-level ridge will bring dangerous heat with temperatures in the 90s and lower 100s across much of central and eastern U.S.” the National Weather Service said Monday. "The combination of high humidity values will produce heat indices between 105 and 115 degrees."​

The heat wave is expected to peak as people from across the nation celebrate America's 250th Independence Day outdoors. With many Americans taking part in parades, cookouts, and sporting events over the weekend, officials are urging the public to prepare for the dangerous heat.  ​

Washington, D.C., is facing up to four days of triple-digit temperatures from Wednesday to Saturday as thousands of people gather in the nation's capital for the holiday events and the annual fireworks show. High temperatures will persist after sunset, with a forecast of 81 degrees at the start of the 10:30 pm fireworks show.

​This comes a week after Europe experienced an extreme heat wave of its own. France experienced its hottest day ever recorded, with temperatures reaching up to 110 degrees. Over 1,000 excess deaths related to heat have been reported in France.​

“The combination of prolonged daytime heating and limited nighttime relief will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses,” said NWS, “especially for vulnerable populations and those without adequate cooling.”

Despite the forecast, millions of Americans are still expected to hit the road. 72.2 million people are expected to travel from July 27 to July 5, according to AAA.  Making it one of the busiest travel weeks on record.