Most of the nation remained in the grip of a heat wave today, with high temperatures in the 90’s and 100’s prevailing across all but the northernmost states, straining electric power grids and disrupting some transportation links.

Meanwhile, a tropical depression formed today off the coast of North Carolina, and a tropical storm watch was issued for the eastern part of the state. Meteorologists said the depression could strengthen into a tropical storm as early as this evening, and would be named Beryl if the wind reaches 39 miles per hour.

Relief was expected in the Northeast later in the day as a cold front was expected to move into the region. But the interaction of cooler air with the hot humid air mass now hanging over region may produce strong to severe thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.

Cooler weather and thunderstorms were also expected in the upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions. Temperature will range from the 70’s in northern Minnesota and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to over 100 in parts of South Dakota, Kansas and Nebraska.