A punishing heat wave will bring hot temperatures to eastern US and linger for several days, underscoring how climate change heats things up.

A phenomenon called "corn sweat" could exacerbate the impacts of the extreme heat blanketing a large portion of the U.S., according to experts.

Scattered thunderstorms are possible over the next few days with oppressive heat and humidity, before a cold front brings a chance of strong storms and a refreshing drop in temperatures and humidity by the weekend.

Much of the U.S. is under extreme heat warnings or advisories while New York, Philadelphia and Washington could feel like 100 degrees or more.

Dangerous heat continues across the U.S. as millions see feels-like temperature reaching into the 90s and 100s from the Southeast to the Midwest.

RICHMOND, Va. -- A Heat Advisory remains in effect across central Virginia until 8 p.m. Sunday. A few scattered storms across the higher elevations north and west may sneak down into central Virginia later this evening as they weaken. It will be a warm and muggy night, with lows in the mid 70s.

Heat advisories were in effect for a large portion of the East Coast from central Florida to Virginia through much of the weekend.

Maryland will see extreme heat and a chance for severe weather on Saturday, prompting an Alert Day.