Record heat scorched the West. Now it's heading for the East Coast
A heat wave that set all-time records in the West is now bringing scorching temperatures and high humidity to the Midwest, and it will soon take aim at the highly populated Northeast.
"This isn't just another hot summer week," said AccuWeather meteorologist Elizabeth Danco in an e-mail to USA TODAY.
"When heat and humidity combine for several days in a row, they can create dangerous conditions that affect everything from public health to the power grid," she added. "People should plan ahead, stay hydrated and take frequent breaks if they have to be outdoors, because the heat can become dangerous much faster than many realize."
Record heat hits Montana, Utah
Both Billings, Montana, and Salt Lake City set new high-temperature records on July 12, according to a report from Weather.com. Billings reached a high of 111 degrees, its first high in the 110s in 92 years of records dating to 1934. Meteorologists and other experts use all-time to describe recorded temperatures and other patterns.
Salt Lake City topped out at 109 degrees, also setting a new all-time high temperature since records began there in 1874. The previous record of 107 degrees had been set four times, most recently in 2002, the National Weather Service said.
How hot will it get?
According to the weather service, the heat wave is underway for the Intermountain West, northern Plains and Upper Great Lakes, and will peak in intensity through July 14.
Widespread high temperatures of 95-105 degrees are expected, with some readings above 110 degrees possible, the weather service said. "Even for mid-July, this heat is expected to be exceptionally rare for some locations and produce numerous daily, monthly, and some all-time high temperature records."
Morning lows, especially in larger cities, may languish in the middle or upper 70s, offering little evening or nighttime relief, Weather.com said in an online forecast.
How long will the heat last?
The heat dome is forecast to break down from north to south across the central and eastern states later this week, according to AccuWeather.
A colder front could bring heat relief from the northern Great Lakes to New England by mid-late week, Weather.com said. It could also trigger severe thunderstorms with damaging winds ahead of the front.
Heat safety tips
According to the weather service, "remember to protect yourself by limiting outdoor activity, hydrating, and ensuring access to A/C or cooling centers. Be sure to check in on family, friends and neighbors. Additionally, never leave children or animals unattended in vehicles!"
"This heat will quickly become dangerous to anyone without adequate cooling or hydration," the weather service also warned.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Record heat scorched the West. Now it's heading for the East Coast
Reporting by Doyle Rice, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 9:15 AM.