A severe heat wave is descending on large swaths of the United States this week, with excessive temperatures expected to break daily records in some areas, forecasters warned. The National Weather Service cautioned that "the first significant heat wave of the season" will bring above-average temperatures to the Midwest, Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions over the next several days.

"A heat wave is quickly emerging ahead of a low pressure system from the central Plains, upper Midwest, and into the Ohio Valley," the NWS said. The federal forecasters also predicted that by Wednesday afternoon, interior parts of New England could top 100 degrees Fahrenheit, shattering daily records at certain locations.

As the extreme heat settles in, you are urged to take serious precautions. The website Ready.gov advises identifying cool indoor spaces like libraries and malls, seeking shade outdoors, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, and checking on vulnerable family members, older adults, and neighbors. Those who live in the various impacted regions should continue to monitor local weather forecasts closely and heed any additional guidance from authorities over the coming days. The heat is expected to persist through the end of the week for many areas.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices