In a dramatic shift of weather patterns, more than 100 million people along the East Coast of the United States find themselves under intense heat alerts, as temperatures soar to record highs. After enduring a 10-day heatwave in the western part of the country, the core of extreme heat has now settled in the eastern states, creating potentially dangerous conditions for millions.

Starting the new week, significant areas including Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and parts of North Carolina and Virginia are currently under excessive-heat warnings, the highest level alert. Temperatures are expected to reach close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with heat indexes - a measure of how hot it feels factoring in humidity - soaring between 105 to 110 degrees. The National Weather Service has categorized this heatwave as "extremely dangerous and potentially deadly."

The effects of this scorching heat are not limited to these areas alone. Heat advisories, although slightly less intense, have been issued for a larger region that includes Boston, New York, Richmond, and Raleigh. These locations can expect temperatures well above normal, with the potential for triple-digit highs from South Carolina to Maryland.

To compound the intensity of this heatwave, nighttime temperatures will remain significantly warmer than usual, only falling to around 80 degrees in some regions, providing little respite from the persistent heat. The National Weather Service's HeatRisk scale is forecasted to reach Level 3 and 4 in many East Coast areas throughout Wednesday, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Record-breaking highs have already been observed, with several locations, including Washington D.C., experiencing temperatures as high as 101 degrees on Sunday. With this heatwave expected to persist for multiple days, more records are likely to be broken, not just for daytime highs but also for warm nights.

Relief from the extreme heat may arrive later in the week as a cold front from Wednesday and Thursday brings a thunderstorm risk, and temperatures are expected to return closer to normal or even drop below normal heading into the weekend. However, there are signs that the heat may make a comeback after this brief respite.

In conclusion, millions of people from Florida to Maine are currently facing dangerously high temperatures, testifying to the unprecedented nature of this heatwave. It is essential for individuals, communities, and authorities to take necessary precautions to ensure safety, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged exposure to the scorching heat.