Heat wave makes May seem like summer

The calendar says May, but the weather says July.

Record-high temperatures will be challenged across a 2,000-mile-long stretch of the U.S. this week thanks to an early-season heat wave.

The scorching heat already in place for several days in Texas will be coming to the Midwest and the northeastern U.S. and part of southeastern Canada, AccuWeather said.

“Highs near 100 degrees in the south-central states, the 90s in parts of the Midwest and the 80s in portions of the Northeast will challenge record highs set as far back as the late 1800s in some cases,” AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said.

In fact, temperatures into the 90s were expected from eastern portions of the Plains into the lower and midMissouri and Mississippi Valleys under a strengthening warm upper ridge, the National Weather Service said.

Afternoon temperatures into the 80s were forecast to expand into the interior section of New England and possibly reach the 90s by Friday, the Weather Service predicted.

The heat will sizzle in major Texas cities such as Dallas and Houston. The Midwestern hubs of Chicago and St. Louis also will roast, AccuWeather said. Along with the heat will be summerlike humidity, a sharp change from recent chilly weather in the Midwest, Weather.com said.

“So, take it easy and remember basic heat safety,” Weather.com said. “Minimize your time outdoors in the hottest part of the day. Drink plenty of liquids. Check on those who may not have air conditioning, including the elderly.”

The heat wave will end in the northcentral U.S. by the weekend, forecasters said. Cooler temperatures will engulf the Midwest over the weekend, putting an end to this early-season hot stretch in that region, Weather.com meteorologist Jonathan Erdman said. But Texas will endure record heat through the weekend, he said.