Record-breaking heatwave puts 61 million Americans at risk

Record-breaking heatwaves have hit large areas of America, with temperatures exceeding 115°F. Approximately 61 million people have been issued warnings about the dangerous effects of such weather.

"The unusually hot air mass for late August already smashed records in the Southern Plains, and is focused on the Midwest, Ohio and Tennessee Valleys before shifting Southeast, breaking historical benchmarks. About 61 million people are under heat watches and warnings as highs near 100°F, combined with high humidity, lead to dangerous heat indices between 105°F and 115°F," emphasizes Axios.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the risk of extreme heat affects areas from St. Louis to Chicago and northeast to Grand Rapids in Michigan. At least 11 states are predicted to experience a "significant" heat risk level or even higher.

American media constantly point out that such extreme temperatures can cause health problems. Elderly and sick people and those who work or exercise outside should be particularly cautious.

According to forecasts, the temperature in Washington on Wednesday is expected to reach around 100°F. Similar or higher heat may also affect New York and Chicago, which is usually about 20°F cooler at this time of year.

In many U.S. cities, public schools are starting or have already started classes. However, some facilities are not equipped with air conditioning. For this reason, certain restrictions have been introduced in Chicago.

Moreover, the PJM Interconnection power grid has announced a special alert covering Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.