New York City Could Make 10-Plus Year Temperature History

Large swaths of the United States, including the Northeast, are in the middle of an oppressive heat wave.

All over the country, cities have been registering record-breaking temperatures lately. This week, New York City is in line to make recent history, and not in a good way.

According to Weather.com, dozens of cities in the Northeast could match or set temperature records in the coming days, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. 

Central Park in Manhattan has not hit triple-digits on the thermometer since July 18, 2012, but could reach that mark this week. While that's a lengthy streak that will likely be snapped soon, it's not the longest of the region's major cities; Philadelphia hasn't reached 100 degrees since 1994. 

“Unfortunately, it’s going to be very humid along with the heat,” Fox Weather Meteorologist Stephanie Van Oppen told the New York Post. “It’s the type of air that feels like you’re walking through a swimming pool. It clings to you, it’s very sweaty.”

Heat is the No. 1 weather killer in America, causing hundreds of deaths each year. 

Weather.com's Jonathan Erdman shared a number of tips to help those who will be affected by the extreme heat and humidity in the coming days.

• The combination of heat and humidity lingering into the night for several days in a row could be dangerous for those without access to air conditioning, especially in the cores of larger cities.
• Check on family, friends, the elderly and those with chronic illness who live without access to air conditioning.
• If possible, avoid being outdoors for long in the peak heat of the afternoon.
• If not, take frequent breaks, avoid strenuous activity, drink more water than usual and wear loose, lightweight clothing.

Everyone please try to stay cool, dry and safe.