A scorching heatwave has engulfed nearly half of the United States, pushing temperatures into triple digits and forcing officials to issue urgent safety advisories. More than 168 million residents from the Midwest to the Southeast and parts of the Northeast are under heat alerts, with authorities urging people to limit outdoor exposure.
In New York, where temperatures soared to 100°F (37.7°C) at LaGuardia Airport—nearly matching a decades-old record—officials extended public pool hours and opened cooling centers. Subway riders faced sweltering conditions during rush hour after a power outage disrupted service, though it remains unclear if the heat was the direct cause.
“Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be deadly,” warned emergency officials, advising residents to seek air-conditioned spaces whenever possible. Similar conditions gripped Florida, where Tampa shattered its previous temperature record.
The heatwave has also extended into Canada, with warnings active across multiple provinces. As the dangerous conditions persist, experts emphasize checking on vulnerable neighbors and staying hydrated. Relief is expected later in the week as storms move through the region.
