Extreme heat alerts persisted for tens of millions of individuals in the United States on Tuesday as cities like Chicago experienced record-breaking temperatures at the onset of a week marked by scorching weather. The National Weather Service issued warnings for states in the Midwest, signaling a dangerous and prolonged heatwave expected to stretch from Iowa to Maine until at least Friday.
Chicago set a new temperature record on Monday, reaching a high of 97 degrees Fahrenheit (36.1 degrees Celsius), surpassing a previous record from 1957. The National Weather Service in Chicago cautioned that hot and muggy conditions would persist throughout the week, with peak heat indexes nearing 100 F (37.7 C) at times.
Despite the sweltering weather, individuals in Chicago's Grant Park were undeterred, ordering spicy dishes from a food truck. The city's residents were advised to take precautions as the U.S. experienced an increase in heat waves last year, with officials emphasizing the importance of staying safe during extreme temperatures.
In Phoenix, where temperatures soared to 112 F (44.4 C) on Saturday, the heatwave posed significant risks, resulting in a record number of heat-related deaths in 2023. Meteorologists urged residents to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and wear light clothing to combat the intense heat.
Meanwhile, wildfires in Southern California and New Mexico added to the challenges posed by the heatwave. Firefighters battled a large wildfire north of Los Angeles, while residents in New Mexico faced evacuations due to ongoing wildfires. The Center for Biological Diversity raised concerns about the impact of extreme heat and wildfire smoke, petitioning FEMA to recognize them as major disasters.
As parts of the U.S. grappled with scorching temperatures, the northern Rockies braced for late-season snowfall, with winter storm warnings issued for Montana and north-central Idaho. Additionally, tropical moisture threatened the central Gulf Coast with heavy rain and flash flooding, coinciding with predictions of an active hurricane season this year.
For more weather updates, visit AP's weather coverage.
