Unseasonably warm weather swept across the East Coast on Wednesday, pushing temperatures into the 80s and low 90s and breaking daily records in major cities.
Washington, D.C., recorded its first 90-degree day nearly a month earlier than usual, while Philadelphia and New York City also crossed the mark, setting new highs for April 15.
Forecasters say the heat will not last long. Temperatures are expected to dip slightly on Thursday, followed by a sharper cooldown heading into the weekend.
Meanwhile, severe weather threatens parts of the Midwest and Plains. Nearly 50 million people remain at risk as storms could bring damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes.