Thanks to upcoming heat wave, July 2016 may become the hottest month on record in the U.S.

A noteworthy weather pattern will evolve next week across the lower 48 states, featuring a massive and intense area of high pressure sprawled out across the center of the country, like an annoying partner taking up the entire bed while snoring loudly. It's been clear for several days that a prolonged heat wave is coming, particularly for the Plains, portions of the Midwest and Southeast. SEE ALSO: Earth's hot streak continues with warmest May since at least 1880 However, the details about this heat wave are only now coming into better focus, and this event is still about one week away. Based on computer model projections on Friday, the likelihood of hundreds of high temperature records during the height of the heat wave has fallen somewhat, but the health threat the heat poses has become more distinct. As Mashable reported on Wednesday, it is still likely that the high pressure area will be unusually intense, possibly coming close to a record based on one meteorological indicator.