Heat Wave and Severe Thunderstorms this Independence Day

A prolonged, dangerous heat wave will persist through the Independence Day weekend across the Ohio Valley, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic. Numerous temperature records are expected. Clusters of severe thunderstorms will move across parts of the Allegheny Plateau into Mid Atlantic this Independence Day, with potential for widespread damaging winds. Additional severe thunderstorms in the Great Plains. Read More >

5-Day Forecast

Severe Thunderstorms

Major Heat Risk Today

Heat Safety

Review of Records from July 1-4, 2026

Today will mark the last day in the extended record heat with high temperatures rising into the mid/upper 90s. This comes with the risk of additional severe thunderstorms, but also with the potential for flash flooding. Hazardous weather continues into Monday which shifts toward more seasonable temperatures for the new work week.

Ample heat and humidity will ignite numerous showers and thunderstorms, some of which may become severe in nature. The main threat for severe storms would be east of the Alleghenies where the potential for damaging winds exists.

Major Heat Risk is expected today, but temperatures should fall of the century mark. Expect temperatures to return to near or slightly below average on Monday into Tuesday.

With a lengthy bout of hot temperatures through the holiday weekend, ensure you find ways to stay hydrated and out of the heat. Temperatures remain very warm into the overnight hours as well which will exacerbate these issues.

A review of all of the daily temperature records is shown. In total, 20 records were broken which includes tying the all-time record low at Reagan National Airport (84 degrees on July 3).