• Tens of millions in the U.S. Northeast facing record high temperatures due to a severe heat wave.
• Major cities including Washington, D.C., Boston, and New York City are breaking temperature records.
• The National Weather Service warns of extremely dangerous conditions and advises residents to stay hydrated.
• Transportation delays and impacts on agriculture have been reported as a result of the heat.
• Forecasters predict a gradual decline in temperatures starting Wednesday.

Tens of millions of people in major cities across the U.S. Northeast are facing record high temperatures on what is expected to be the worst day of an oppressive heat wave that began late last week. Temperatures in Washington and Boston are forecasted to reach 101°F (38°C), surpassing previous records by as much as 6°F, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Reuters and Channel News Asia.

In New York City's Central Park, temperatures could reach 99°F (37°C), breaking the area's previous high of 96°F. Bob Oravec, a lead forecaster at the NWS, highlighted that "today is probably the worst day for widespread heat records," with the most significant heat concentrated in the Northeast Reuters and Newsweek.

The extreme heat has led to disruptions in public transport, with Amtrak announcing that trains between Washington, D.C., and New York City will slow down from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. to mitigate heat-related issues that could cause delays. Tourist attractions are also affected; for instance, the Washington Monument will close on Tuesday and Wednesday due to the heat Channel News Asia and Newsweek.

Construction firms are adapting by enhancing safety protocols; Jeff Wagner, communications manager at Fluor, mentioned that they are providing cooling stations and emphasizing hydration for their over 2,000 workers in Indiana. Workers are also starting shifts an hour earlier to complete tasks before peak heat hours Reuters and Channel News Asia.

The agricultural sector is feeling the impacts, too, particularly in Saskatchewan, Canada, where dry weather is detrimental to crops recently seeded. Farmer Bill Prybylski noted that recent rainfall arrived too late to prevent damage, although some of the harm was mitigated by wildfire smoke that reduced direct sunlight exposure Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Forecasters expect a break in the heat wave as temperatures are anticipated to drop beginning Wednesday. For example, New York City is forecasted to see highs of 84°F on Thursday Channel News Asia and Newsweek.