Dangerous Stretch of Heat Leads Us to the 4th

The hottest temperatures of the year are looming later this week. An area of high pressure is loitering over Texas, but it will be on the move. And looks like it will get stronger. That means intense heat will build for many areas east of the Rocky Mountains later this week.

Temperatures in the afternoons will soar through the 90's, with many threatening the century mark for the first time this year. We'll feel it first building into the Midwest, where ample humidity will make it feel even worse. Heat alerts have been issued for parts of the Central United States, and more alerts will be added over the next few days.

We spoke with the National Weather Service in Philadelphia/Mt. Holly to get some perspective on just how unusual this heat is for the northeast.

Our high will then take aim at the northeast. By Wednesday and Thursday, highs will be in record territory. Ahead of this heat wave, it will still be above average, prolonging the exposure to the warm temperatures.

Heat index values are likely to reach the triple digits by Wednesday across New England and the Atlantic Coast.

Heat waves become deadly when they are extended in duration, and complicated by overnight lows struggling to cool off enough. Be sure to mix in plenty of water, even with a holiday weekend coming up. Know the signs to look out for in friends and family.