US faces scorching heatwave: 100-degree temperatures, high humidity, national alerts

Approximately 130 million people across the United States are experiencing dangerously high temperatures due to a severe, long-running heatwave. (Photo: AP)

This heatwave set new records and tied existing ones from the East Coast to the West Coast, with forecasters warning of more records to come. (Photo: AP)

In more humid regions, temperatures could rise above 100 F (about 38°C) in parts of the Pacific Northwest, the mid-Atlantic, and the Northeast, according to meteorologist Jacob Asherman. (Photo: AP)

The National Weather Service for the Baltimore area advised, “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances." (Photo: AP)

Arizona's Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, has reported at least 13 confirmed heat-related deaths this year, with over 160 more deaths under investigation for potential heat-related causes. (Photo: IANS)

Attendees of the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon, coped with the heat by drinking cold water, seeking shade, or refreshing themselves under water misters. Festival organizers also provided free access to air conditioning at a nearby hotel. (Photo: AP)

"It likely means we'll be seeing periodic periods of excessive heat across a decent part of the country into July," said NWS meteorologist Marc Chenard. "Not continuous at any one spot, but the overall pattern will continue to favor these above normal temperatures." (Photo: AP)

Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer took to social media to ask that residents watch out for their neighbors, especially the elderly who are more vulnerable to the heat. "Be sure to check on your friends, family, and neighbors to make sure they're doing all right," she wrote. (Photo: AP)