Amid extreme heat advisories affecting 46 million Americans, US President Joe Biden has taken action to address the effects of the scorching weather. Major cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, have declared heat emergencies. The heatwave is expected to persist throughout the weekend, with elevated humidity levels making temperatures feel even hotter, reaching up to 107F (41C) in Washington, DC, and 105F (40C) in New York City.
The East Coast is also experiencing unusually high night-time lows, exacerbating the potential health impacts related to the extreme heat. The National Weather Service warns of heat-related dangers, particularly for vulnerable populations. Additionally, record-breaking heat continues to affect the Southwest and Central US, with cities like Phoenix, Arizona, experiencing oppressive temperatures above 100F (38C) for 27 consecutive days.
To address heat-related safety concerns, President Biden announced measures to bolster safety rules for outdoor workers, with special emphasis on farmers and construction workers. The plan also includes additional funding for weather forecasting services and efforts to increase water storage capacity in western states and enhance building heat resistance.
Besides the extreme heat, some parts of the US are facing intense thunderstorm systems, with Michigan experiencing power outages due to downed power lines caused by a storm. The Upper Midwest and Great Lakes can expect more thunderstorms with strong winds and large hail. These storms will move into the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, potentially causing further damage, including flash flooding.
