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Joe Edwards is a Live News Reporter based in Newsweek’s London Bureau. He covers topics related to weather, climate, and extreme weather events. Joe joined Newsweek in April 2024 after graduating from City, University of London with an MA in International Journalism. Prior to this, he studied History and English Literature at the University of Kent. Languages: English. You can get in touch with Joe by emailing joe.edwards@newsweek.com
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Live News Reporter
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Areas in Virginia and Maryland are forecast to see similar temperatures to those in Death Valley—often referred to as the hottest place on Earth—on Monday, as a heat wave continues to bake large portions of the country.
Why It Matters
These forecasts come as swaths of the U.S. received heat-related warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS).
The heat dome over the eastern U.S. originated in the Plains and Midwest, where temperatures in the 90s and above 100 degrees Fahrenheit have persisted since late last week, according to forecasters at AccuWeather.
Officials caution that prolonged time outdoors without adequate hydration or cooling measures can lead to heat-related illnesses.
Runners pass a warning sign during the AdventurCORPS Badwater 135 ultra-marathon race on July 15, 2013, in Death Valley National Park, California.
David McNew/Getty Images
What To Know
According to an NWS forecast for the area just north of Furnace Creek—a community within Death Valley National Park—a high of 101 degrees is expected on Monday.
Meanwhile, forecasts for Baltimore, Maryland’s Inner Harbor and Richmond International Airport in Virginia are also expected to see highs of 101 on Monday.
Nighttime lows were expected to be slightly cooler in these areas however, with Baltimore’s Inner Harbor forecast for 80, and Richmond International Airport for 79. The area just north of Furnace Creek could expect a low of 82, according to the forecast.
NWS meteorologist Larry Brown, who works at the forecast office in Wakefield, Virginia, told Newsweek that “today’s daily normal high for Richmond is 88 degrees, and the daily record high at Richmond is 101 set in 1988, so there is a decent chance to reach the record.”
Brown added that while Monday temperatures in the area would be “either record setting or near record level (depending on the eventual high), they are certainly not unprecedented.”
Large portions of the country, including in Virginia and Maryland, were issued extreme heat warnings as of Monday, with the NWS warning of “dangerously hot conditions.”
“An Extreme Heat Warning means that a period of very hot temperatures, even by local standards, will occur,” the NWS said. “Actions should be taken to lessen the impact of the extreme heat.”
What People Are Saying
NWS meteorologist Larry Brown told Newsweek: “Temperatures in the southwest U.S. are cooler than average this week,