Dangerous heat is gripping much of the eastern half of the country to start the week — but it will loosen that hold significantly by the weekend. About 200 million people are under some sort of heat alert Monday,

Leesburg and Lake County are under a heat advisory from noon to 7 p.m. July 28, according to the National Weather Service.

Polk County residents are feeling the full force of a Central Florida heat wave this week, with heat index values soaring to dangerous levels. In some parts of the county, the index has reportedly reached as high as 108 degrees,

The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for New York City and parts of the Hudson Valley, New Jersey and Connecticut, with expected wind gusts of up to 70 mph and potential hail. After several mild summer weather days, the excessive heat has returned. Additionally, severe weather could be a factor for some Friday night.

How low should you set your thermostat for as record-breaking heat sweeps over the country? Here's what experts and other Floridians say.

Meteorologists warned that the oppressive heat wave is part of a larger system impacting much of the Southeast and Midwest.

Central Florida is currently experiencing a dangerous heat wave, which is why the FOX 35 Storm Team has labeled Saturday through Tuesday as Weather Impact Days.

The National Hurricane Center is tracking four tropical waves. Sweltering temps continue for Florida, heat advisories are in effect..

An intense heat wave threatens millions of people across the Southeast with temperatures reaching 115 degrees through midweek.

Central Florida can expect dangerously hot temperatures on Monday with heat indices up to 112° and a Heat Advisory in effect.