Record-high temperatures across America could set up for extreme weather this week - here's what you need to know

A massive heatwave is hitting the US this week bringing May-like temps to most of the country despite the calendar saying winter. 

More than 345 warm-temperature records could be tied or broken this week and impact 253 million Americans east of the Rocky Mountains, according to CNN. The warm stretch on Monday stretched from Texas to the upper Midwest and east to the coast. 

Dallas is one of the cities that will potentially break a forecast high record, with temps Monday expected to hit 95, besting the 90-degree record set in 1917. 

'By midweek, the dramatic cooldown will encompass the Central states, but this will be short-lived as the warmth will come roaring back by the end of the month,' AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex DaSilva said. 

The nationwide temperatures may also pose a high-risk threat of large hail storms and thunderstorms throughout multiple Midwest and Southern states. 

February will be ending on a high-temperature note starting today in several states, including Texas and Illinois

More than 345 warm-temperature records could be tied or broken this week and impact 253 million Americans east of the Rocky Mountains as the warmth moves east 

The nationwide temperatures may also pose a high-risk threat of large hail storms and thunderstorms throughout multiple Midwest and Southern states

The large warm conditions became noticeable throughout states in the South Central US over the weekend. Cities such as Kansas City, Fargo, North Dakota and Tulsa, Oklahoma are already challenging their record highs. 

States such as Nebraska and Illinois experienced temperatures in the 60s and 70s despite their average February temperatures being in the high 30s to low 40s.

According to the National Weather Service, Omaha Nebraska is already having its 'second warmest February on record in its 154-year history of tracking weather.'

The warm temps are expected to move east throughout the week. Daytime highs in the Ohio Valley and New England are set to be in the 50s and 60s, which is between 10 and 20 degrees warmer than normal. 

The large warm conditions became noticeable throughout states in the South Central US over the weekend. Pictured: Stacy Lawson, left, and her husband, Hugh Lawson, enjoy a game of pickleball on an outdoor court in Omaha, Nebraska, on Sunday

States such as Nebraska and Illinois experienced temperatures in the 60s and 70s despite their average February temperatures being in the high 30s to low 40s. Pictured: Locals watched the sunset in Kansas City on Sunday

A man walks his dog in a Cleveland park earlier this month

Although the next few days may bring joy to individuals who love warm weather, the temperatures are posing a danger to several states.

The National Weather Service said the warmth, the low humidity, the more than 35 mph winds in places, coupled with dry winter vegetation, creates fire danger alerts across in 11 states.

Some of the fire weather watches were issued in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

A few grass fires were reported in the Colorado Springs, Colorado, area on Sunday, with one being on the grounds of the US Air Force Academy.

Another issue that meteorologists are looking out for in the next couple of days are tornadoes, which can occur due to the low pressure later this week.

Boaters take advantage of unseasonably warm weather Sunday near Paradise, Missouri

Boston Public Garden Lagoon was a popular spot for visitors on February 10 as warm temps meant they could ditch their heavy coats

People enjoy a warm afternoon at South Street Seaport in Manhattan on February 0

Colder temperatures are expected to hit the US later this week following the May-high temperatures.

The cold front will be returning throughout the US and like the warmer weather, it will affect millions of Americans.

'While this warmth is building in quickly, and we are expecting records through about Tuesday and Wednesday, we do get a sharp reminder once the storm moves in that, yes, it is still winter, and yes we still need the coats,' said FOX Weather meteorologist Jane Minar.

Temperatures will only reach 10-20 degrees above the average February temperatures and the high winds could even make it feel like areas are only 0 degrees.