Chicago, Illinois: A scorching heat wave has engulfed the US Midwest, shattering temperature records and prompting alerts for over 60 million people across the region.
A persistent high-pressure system hovering over major cities like Chicago, Des Moines, and Topeka has brought unusually high temperatures for this late season. The US National Weather Service (NWS), as reported by Xinhua news agency, has issued warnings about the extreme heat and the accompanying humidity.
The NWS has urged the public to be cautious of the combined dangers posed by heat and humidity during heat waves. In anticipation of the dangerous conditions, several public cooling centers have been established throughout the US Midwest states.
Extreme heat, especially when combined with high humidity, is a leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the United States. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1,220 people in the country die from extreme heat each year.
As the heat wave continues, authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe, such as staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and checking on elderly or vulnerable individuals.
