Dangerous heat wave hits eastern US

Washington, Sep 6

A dangerous heat wave is baking the eastern US, with several cities breaking records and the heat stretching from Minnesota to Texas to Massachusetts.

According to local media, Minneapolis recorded 36 degrees Celsius and Atlantic City 34 degrees on Tuesday, reports Xinhua news agency.

Meanwhile, temperatures could reach a scorching 37 degrees in Washington, D.C.; 31 in New York City; 36 in Raleigh, North Carolina; 33 in Minneapolis; 32 in Chicago; 37.7 in Oklahoma City; and 38 in Dallas and San Antonio.

This week, 48 major cities are forecast to have dangerous levels of heat on one or more days.

"The wave is expected to spread across from the East Coast to the Southern Plains and the southern region of the country throughout the week," reported The Hill.

"The heat will end over the next few days in the Midwest and the Great Lakes, but it'll remain in the South and the Northeast. In New York City, temperatures could reach 90 degrees three days in a row, marking the first heat wave of the season for the city," said ABC News on Tuesday.

"About 36.2 million people - 11 per cent of the population of the contiguous US - live in the areas expected to have dangerous levels of heat," said The New York Times on Tuesday.

In Pittsburgh, many schools have shifted to remote learning due to the heat.

In Washington, D.C., the mayor has activated a heat emergency.

"Unlike previous heat waves this summer, humidity will be moderate rather than extreme. But it will still pose the risk of heat-related illnesses for those who don't take precautions," said The Washington Post.

"Anyone outdoors ... should still remember to keep hydrated and take plenty of breaks in the shade/air conditioning," urged the National Weather Service.

Hundreds of people die from extreme heat in the US every year.

On hot days, the National Weather Service recommends that people drink fluids, stay in cooler rooms, keep out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbours, especially older people and those who live alone.