A record-breaking heat wave has enveloped the U.S. Midwest this week, placing over 60 million people under heat alerts as temperatures soar to unprecedented levels.
Cities across the region, including Chicago, Des Moines, and Topeka, are grappling with a late-season high-pressure system that has led to prolonged periods of extreme heat. According to the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS), these conditions are rare for this time of year and pose significant health risks.
Chicago finds itself at the center of an excessive heat warning that extends north to Madison, Wisconsin, and south to Springfield, Illinois. The NWS Weather Prediction Center cautioned 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 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 warned.
In response to the oppressive heat and humidity, Midwest states have established public cooling centers to provide relief for residents. The extreme temperatures have also led to early dismissals and canceled classes for several school districts across the Upper Midwest and Northeast.
The NWS continues to advise the public on the combined dangers of heat and humidity associated with heat waves. Residents are urged to take precautions, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable community members as the scorching conditions persist.
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Millions of Americans under alert as heat wave hits U.S. Midwest
cgtn.com
