Heat wave wilts US northeast

Scorching heat was expected to sear the US northeast Tuesday, with temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) and hotter forecast in New York City, Washington, and other points on the east coast.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory warning residents of the region that the elevated temperatures and high humidity could prove dangerous, particularly for young children and the elderly.

"Excessive heat" advisories also were posted in New York City and Philadelphia, where authorities opened "cooling stations" -- air-conditioned buildings where residents can get out of the heat.

The NWS warned residents to "drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors."

Meteorologist said parts of the Middle Atlantic region, which already has had several bouts of uncomfortably hot weather this year, are experiencing the warmest spring on record.

Forecasters said the heat wave was likely to spread down the east coast as the days wear on.

"Southern locations will feel the inferno later in the week," said Alex Sosnowski, a meteorologist with Pennsylvania-based Accu-Weather, a private firm.