An unprecedented heat wave is smothering the United States with stifling temperatures and thick humidity that will last for a week.
More than 270 million Americans will be affected by temperatures of at least 90 degrees this week, and extreme heat warnings are in place for large areas of the country.
The increase is due to a heat dome that has settled over the East, trapping warm air as the sun continually shines, making each day hotter than the last.
Hundreds of records will be broken this week as parts of the Midwest and Northeast endure the longest heat wave they have seen in decades.
Heat-related illnesses are a serious concern in severely affected areas with the power grid under strain and the elderly, children and outdoor workers are warned to take extra care.
An unprecedented heat wave is smothering the US with sweltering temperatures and high humidity that make the country feel even hotter than it does.
Forecasters have issued severe weather warnings for wide swathes of the country from the Great Lakes to the Northeast.
The weather is expected to break all-time temperature records for June this week, reaching levels not normally seen until the hottest days of July.
Desperate residents have flocked to beaches and fountains seeking respite from the unseasonable heat.
Americans as far north as Maine will be hit by sweltering heat into the 90s this week.
And it will feel even hotter than the thermometer says, as humidity raises heat index values to 100 degrees.
Forecasters have issued severe weather warnings for wide swathes of the country from the Great Lakes to the Northeast.
Wednesday and Thursday will be the warmest days, but only marginally.
Several major cities will experience dangerously high temperatures, including Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New York and Boston.
More than 270 million Americans will be affected by temperatures of at least 90 degrees this week, and extreme heat warnings are in place for large areas of the country.
The increase is due to a heat dome that has settled over the East, trapping warm air as the sun continually shines, making each day hotter than the last.
The heat wave began on Monday with temperatures rising 15 degrees above normal in the afternoon and remaining high overnight.
They are expected to rise another 25 degrees above normal for the rest of the week.
Some of the hardest-hit areas, like Pittsburgh, had not seen weather this hot in more than 30 years.
Pittsburgh’s local weather service said on June 20, 1994).
‘That represents the longest period of more than 95 (degree) days on record. We have a chance to tie or beat that.”
New York, Burlington and Cleveland are opening cooling centers during the week to help residents manage the heat.
Outdoor workers will receive cooling kits.
The heat wave began on Monday with temperatures rising 15 degrees above normal in the afternoon and remaining high overnight.
Some of the hardest-hit areas, like Pittsburgh, had not experienced weather this hot in more than 30 years.
Thermal domes work by trapping hot air in one place over an area.
The sun then continually heats the air and, without circulation, it becomes hotter and hotter each day.
The furnace-like conditions mean it is not cold enough at night to offer people relief, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
The Weather Prediction Service said: “Warm overnight temperatures that only reach the mid-70s will offer little to no relief, especially to those without adequate or reliable cooling.”
High humidity will make it feel even hotter and people are warned to limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated and check on neighbors.