Heatwave threatens to shatter high-temperature records across eastern US

Intense heat in cities like New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC is unusual for April, weather experts say

A long-lasting weather pattern is poised to blast hot air like a furnace across the eastern United States, with the unusual heatwave threatening to shatter record high temperatures on Wednesday in big cities including New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC.

The heat is unusual for April, not only because it is scorching much of the nation so early in the year but also for its duration. The near-record temperatures are expected to last into this weekend, forecasters say.