A severe heat wave is gripping the U.S. Midwest this week, with record-high temperatures putting over 60 million people under heat alerts.
A late-season high-pressure system has settled over key Midwest cities, including Chicago, Des Moines, and Topeka, leading to prolonged periods of extreme heat, according to the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS). Residents are experiencing rare and intense temperatures, with heat indices reaching dangerous levels.
Chicago finds itself at the epicenter of an excessive heat warning that extends northward to Madison, Wisconsin, and southward to Springfield, Illinois. The NWS Weather Prediction Center warned that the dangerous late-August heat wave is expected to expand over the Midwest early this week before intensifying in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions by mid-week.
“Heat indices of 105-115 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 40.5-46 degrees Celsius) and lows in the mid to upper 70s will bring a heightened risk of heat-related illness,” the NWS stated. The combination of soaring temperatures and high humidity levels poses significant health risks, prompting authorities to issue widespread alerts.
In response to the extreme conditions, several Midwest states have established public cooling centers to provide relief for residents. The severe heat has also led to early dismissals and canceled classes in multiple school districts across the Upper Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States.
The NWS continues to caution the public about the combined dangers of heat and humidity associated with heat waves. They urge individuals to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
This late-summer heat wave underscores the importance of preparedness and community support during extreme weather events. As temperatures rise, officials emphasize the need for vigilance to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
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Millions of Americans under alert as heat wave hits U.S. Midwest
cgtn.com
