A week of scorching temperatures in the Mid-Atlantic region, spanning from Washington to New York City, will be followed by another round of extreme weather late Sunday. The forecast includes severe thunderstorms and the possibility of tornadoes. Tornado watches have been issued until 8 p.m. Eastern time, covering upstate New York to Maine, including suburban Boston. The US Storm Prediction Center has warned that there is a high chance of tornadoes occurring, along with damaging winds reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour and scattered large hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Following a period of intense heat and humidity, storms are expected to hit the Mid-Atlantic region. The temperatures reached near record highs on Sunday, with New York’s Central Park hitting 91F (33C) and Reagan National Airport in Washington reaching 98F, tying a record from 1988.
The scorching temperatures, caused by a persistent ridge of high pressure, have led to increased energy demand, disrupted train services, and prompted local officials to advise people to stay hydrated and seek air conditioning when possible. Air-quality advisories have also been issued for New York City, the lower Hudson Valley, and Long Island.
While the upcoming thunderstorms will bring some relief from the heat, it will be short-lived as temperatures are expected to rise again later in the week. The storms also pose a risk of flash flooding in low-lying and urban areas.