It will feel more like summer than spring across parts of the mid-Atlantic and Southeast this week, with record heat reaching into the 90s in some places.
High temperatures start Tuesday and will continue into Thursday for the region, according to the National Weather Service.
“High temperatures well into the 80s will begin to challenge daily records this afternoon in the east-central U.S.,” the service posted on Tuesday.
By Wednesday morning, record warm temperatures will be widespread from the east-central U.S. to New England.
Washington, D.C., could see temperatures above 90 degrees. Other cities that could hit 90 over the next few days include Atlanta, Raleigh, Charlotte, Baltimore and Philadelphia. Much of Virginia will see similar temperatures, which will be about 20-30 degrees warmer than the seasonal average.
The heat risk is elevated in many areas due to the temperatures.
“An early season heat wave will result in at least a Moderate Heat Risk this week,” the NWS forecast office for Baltimore/Washington posted. “The hot conditions will be impactful to many, even though humidity is low. Be sure to stay hydrated and wear light colored clothing when outdoors. Highs could reach their all-time April records.”
The heat can be blamed on a high pressure system that is blocking cooler air from coming in. It’s also causing an increased fire threat as dry air and strong wind gusts could spread flames quickly.
The weather comes after last month was the hottest March on record for the continental United States, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Ten states recorded their warmest March on record: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.
The last 12 months were the hottest yearlong span ever recorded for the continental U.S., according to NOAA.