On July 10, 1913, a temperature of 134.1°F was recorded at the Furnace Creek Ranch in California’s Death Valley -- the world’s highest air temperature on record. Furnace Creek has had temperatures above 129°F multiple times since then, most recently in August of 2020 and July of 2021. The summer heat waves of 2021 resulted in record high temperatures in other states as well, including Oregon at 119°F and Washington  at 120°F. (Here are the warmest cities in America.) This summer is shaping up to be similar to last, with over 100 million people currently under heat warnings or advisories in 28 states. 24/7 Wall St. has determined the hottest places in the U.S. right now using weather station data from the weather information service ogimet.com. The service sources information from multiple websites, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Many stations call in their weather data daily. Not all stations are represented. All of the hottest places in the U.S. right now are in the South and Southwest, with nearly half of them in Texas and others in Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, Kansas, and Nevada. With temperatures ranging from 107°F to 115°F in the places on the list, the risk of heat cramps or heat exhaustion for area residents is likely, with heat stroke also possible after prolonged exposure. Fueled by human-caused climate change, extreme temperatures are becoming more frequent in the U.S. and around the globe. These heat waves have fueled an increase in droughts, leading to a decrease in crop yields as well as large scale livestock mortality. Extreme high temperatures have also contributed to uncontrollable wildfires that are becoming commonplace on the West Coast. (These are the places most likely to have wildfires.) (brazzo / Getty Images)

On July 10, 1913, a temperature of 134.1°F was recorded at the Furnace Creek Ranch in California’s Death Valley -- the world’s highest air temperature on record. Furnace Creek has had temperatures above 129°F multiple times since then, most recently in August of 2020 and July of 2021. The summer heat waves of 2021 resulted in record high temperatures in other states as well, including Oregon at 119°F and Washington  at 120°F. (Here are the warmest cities in America.)

This summer is shaping up to be similar to last, with over 100 million people currently under heat warnings or advisories in 28 states. 24/7 Wall St. has determined the hottest places in the U.S. right now using weather station data from the weather information service ogimet.com. The service sources information from multiple websites, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Many stations call in their weather data daily. Not all stations are represented.

All of the hottest places in the U.S. right now are in the South and Southwest, with nearly half of them in Texas and others in Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, Kansas, and Nevada. With temperatures ranging from 107°F to 115°F in the places on the list, the risk of heat cramps or heat exhaustion for area residents is likely, with heat stroke also possible after prolonged exposure.

Fueled by human-caused climate change, extreme temperatures are becoming more frequent in the U.S. and around the globe. These heat waves have fueled an increase in droughts, leading to a decrease in crop yields as well as large scale livestock mortality. Extreme high temperatures have also contributed to uncontrollable wildfires that are becoming commonplace on the West Coast. (These are the places most likely to have wildfires.)

Temperatures this weekend may hover around 100 degrees, with the heat index over the century mark in the Williamsburg area.

National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Montefusco said temperatures will be in the upper 90s on Saturday and Sunday.

“There could be spots at the 100 degree mark, but we’re just saying upper 90s area-wide,” Montefusco said.

According to records at the Williamsburg water filter plant, the last time temperatures hit 100 degrees or higher was on July 8, 2012, when 101 degrees was recorded.

According to Montefusco, strong high pressure in the Midwest has led to very strong heating.

“A piece of that high pressure had broken off and is moving toward the eastern seaboard,” he said. “Thus bring us high, high temperatures” for a sustained period of time.

If the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory for Saturday and/or Sunday, James City County will have a cooling center for residents at the James City County Recreation Center at 5301 Longhill Road. The center provides air conditioning and a place to sit down. With the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed in the cooling center.

York County does not have a designated cooling center, but the county’s public library located at Long Green Boulevard adjacent to the Victory YMCA is available during the hottest times of the day, according to county spokeswoman Gail Whittaker.

Some ways to take precautions during the extreme heat include drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room and staying out of the sun, according to the weather service.

Other suggestions include checking up on relatives and neighbors, reschedule strenuous activities to early mornings or evenings, wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drinking plenty of water. Young children and pets should never been left unattended in vehicles. And if heat stroke is suspected, call 911.

Wilford Kale, kalehouse@aol.com