Heat wave moves eastward, affecting over 160 million people
A Midwest heat wave is advancing east, placing more than 160 million people under extreme heat warnings as record temperatures are expected before the Fourth of July weekend.
A heat wave that has dominated much of the Midwest this week is shifting eastward on Wednesday, raising the risk of record-high temperatures for additional millions of residents. Forecasts indicate that relief will remain limited across much of the United States until the weekend.
Authorities report that more than 160 million people are currently under extreme heat warnings or heat advisories, with many experiencing a second or third consecutive day of heightened alerts. Temperatures are projected to reach triple digits, and high humidity is expected to push heat index values even higher. Meteorologists note that the heat index provides a more accurate representation of outdoor conditions than temperature alone.
"The heat index is a more accurate measure of what it feels like outside than temperature alone," said emergency officials and meteorologists.
