US Swelters in Massive Heat Wave

Sorry, Americans: No matter where you live, you can expect a hot day—and week. A heat wave that started yesterday is expected to continue scorching the middle of the country as it spreads east, with Plains states experiencing highs topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit today. Much of the rest of the country will see highs in the 90s, CNN reports; an AccuWeather meteorologist says more than 40 states will be affected. The only areas getting some relief will be some mountain and coastal areas.

Excessive heat warnings were declared in 14 states yesterday, several of which saw temperature records broken, and Reuters reports that as the heat wave persists, those living in more than three dozen states have been warned to take precautions. And in the worst-hit areas, it felt as hot as 126 degrees outside yesterday, partially because of high humidity, the National Weather Service reports. Though the eastern US hasn't been hit quite as hard yet, extreme heat is expected in the region by the end of the week. (More hot stories.)