Dangerously hot summer conditions have been persistent across vast portions of the United States as of Thursday, August 4, according to the latest weather forecast of the National Weather Service (NWS).

The said summer heat is expected to progress in the coming hours and days, with above-average temperatures that could reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition, the NWS weather forecast indicated record-breaking high temperatures are likely in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Heat advisories are currently in place from Boston to Washington DC, as well as extending to the Great Plains.

The heat alerts serve as pre-warnings for the potential disruptive and life-threatening risks posed by the scorching temperatures.

Since June, between dozens and hundreds of millions of Americans have been affected by a recurring heat wave or heat dome across the US.

Casualties, including animals and humans, have been reported and attribute to the persistent summer heat.

The heat also led to several cases of blackouts and increased power supply nationwide.

In the advent of the massive heat wave affecting the Northern Hemisphere, climate scientists have warned the US cities could experience a significant temperature surge during summer by the end of the century.

The scientific prediction comes after previous research showed that climate change is contributing to the extreme weather events in the North American nation.

NWS Weather Forecast

Hot summer conditions
(Photo : Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The NWS' Weather Prediction Center (WPC) on Thursday issued not only a short-range weather outlook for the persistent summer heat but also a new multi-weather forecast for monsoonal rain and fire weather affecting some areas of the country.

In the Western US, heavy rain due to the monsoonal moisture is anticipated to shift eastward as severe storms ahead of a cold front could bring related rainfall into the upper Midwest during the weekend.

In the Pacific Northwest, cool air is expected to lower the fire threat from northern Rocky Mountains to the northern Plains.

The weather outlook is valid from Friday to Sunday, August 5 to August 7.

However, the current forecast is subject to change since the NWS, in previous weather reports, regularly updates and revises its content.

Also Read: Summer Heat to Persist in the West Coast; Flash Flooding Threat Continues in the Southwest US and Rockies

Hot Summer Conditions

The US weather agency stated heat is expected to spread across the northern tier of the US, while remaining in place over the Northeast in the next few days.

In fact, the heat has triggered alerts affecting over 80 million Americans in the central and eastern US as of Thursday afternoon, according to The Washington Post.

The heat alerts are in line with the prediction of NWS that temperatures could soar into the upper 90s and low 100s.

New York City and its adjacent areas are at risk from the sweltering humid and dry conditions.

In Montana, the NWS' Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued "Red Flag" warnings since heat, along with windy and dry conditions,  could contribute to fire concerns in some portions of the state.

On Wednesday, August 3, it has been reported by CBS News that researchers from the non-profit organization Climate Central found cities across the US could average eight degrees hotter by the year 2100.

Related Article: Blackouts Possible This US Summer Season Due to Heat and Extreme Weather: NERC Warns