PIERRE, S.D. — Much of the central U.S. is expected to swelter this weekend thanks to the hottest weather of the year.

Forecasting service AccuWeather said temperatures from Texas to the Dakotas and east into Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee will climb high enough to create dangerous conditions for people who stay outdoors for long periods of time.

Temperatures are expected to reach into the 90s and low 100s, and possibly set records in some areas.

Accuweather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said Minneapolis; Indianapolis; Chicago; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Nashville, Tennessee, all are expected to have their hottest days of the year so far.

The National Weather Service said severe thunderstorms also are possible in the Northern Plains, the Great Lakes region and the Northeast.