Saturday, July 7, 2012

The heat gripping much of the country is set to peak Saturday in many places, including some Northeast cities, where temperatures close to or surpassing 100 degrees are expected in Philadelphia and New York.

Temperatures are also forecast to remain high in the Midwest. Excessive heat warnings continue in several states including Iowa, Illinois and Indiana. In Fort Wayne, Ind., temperatures could reach 106 degrees, but feel more like 114.

And tens of thousands remained without power Friday night in the mid-Atlantic, where extreme heat is expected into the weekend. A local utility says damage from a major storm last week and high demand for power during the heat are stressing the electrical system's capabilities.

Relief is on the way in the form of a cold front as the weekend ends, but forecasters expect it to bring severe weather, too.