Extreme Heat Wave Engulfs Central and Eastern US Ahead of Independence Day
111 million Americans are currently under heat alerts as a dangerous, prolonged heat wave intensifies across the central and eastern United States.
Major Cities Under Alerts
A broad swath of the nation is facing dangerously high temperatures this week. Cities currently under heat alerts include Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis, Nashville, Savannah, Philadelphia, and Boston.
Daytime highs are expected to reach the 90s and 100s Fahrenheit. When combined with high humidity, heat index values are forecast to be between 105 and 114 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the week.
Eastern US: Building Heat
In the eastern United States, the heat will build through the week. Philadelphia, Washington, and New York could see heat index values exceed 100 degrees by midweek.
- Philadelphia may feel as hot as 112 degrees by Thursday.
- New York could feel near 108 degrees.
Southwest: Already Scorching
Much of the Southwest was already experiencing highs of around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, compounding the regional heat risk.
European Heat Wave Turns Deadly
Across the Atlantic, a historic heat wave in Europe has been reported to have turned deadly. French officials stated that the country recorded approximately 1,000 excess deaths during the recent period of record-breaking heat.
"France recorded approximately 1,000 excess deaths during the recent period of record-breaking heat."