22 million Americans are in the crossfire of a dangerous and record-breaking heat pattern

More than 22 million Americans are set to feel the heat through the weekend as some states will see temperatures "well above 100 degrees," the New York Times reports.

What are the details?

Arizona, California, and Nevada are among states that will see well above 100-degree temperatures over the weekend as local meteorologists warn of a dangerous heatwave.

Some locations, the outlet reported, are expected to see more than 110 degrees and break records.

Areas across the southwest are poised to experience the heavy heat and forecasters have issued a bevy of heat-related alerts for the weekend. The National Weather Service is advising residents in the area to protect themselves from the heat.

"Don’t expect the heat to subside anytime soon," the outlet added. "This is the beginning of a potentially scorching summer. In a report issued last month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said that above-normal temperatures were likely across almost all of the lower 48 states in June, July, and August, except for small areas in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Plains. In addition to high temperatures, the agency expected lower-than-normal precipitation across the West, which continues to face a gripping drought."

The NWS also advised homeowners to check that their cooling systems are properly working and recommended residents of impacted areas remain indoors during the heatwave as much as possible.

"Depending on the location, most heat-related alerts will expire by Saturday evening or Sunday evening," the Times report added.

A CNN report from earlier in the week cited a meteorological official, who said that heatwaves such as the one predicted for the weekend happen just a few times a year.

Heat this week, the outlet added, will reach Level 4, which is described as the "highest risk level."

Chris Kuhlman with the NWS' Phoenix, Arizona, office said that impacted areas will see heat that they've yet to see this year.

“It’s going to be hotter than what we’ve seen any time this year so far,” Kuhlman said. “We’re tacking on another probably 10 degrees, so it’s definitely going to be hot.”