More Than 132 Million Face Wilting Heat Across Eastern US
A resident cools off with fire hydrant water in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood of New York on July 25.
Photographer: Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty ImagesMore than 132 million people across the central and eastern US are facing blistering temperatures to start the week, with rising humidity making it feel even worse and putting a strain on the energy grid as air conditioners and fans get a workout.
Heat advisories or excessive-heat warnings have been issued from Nebraska to Massachusetts and from North Dakota to Florida, covering all or part of 29 states and more than 38% of the US population, according to the National Weather Service. Sweltering conditions will peak Sunday and Monday before gradually easing. The US Southeast will be the last to get some relief, later in the week or next.