US heat wave leaves several dead

World Today

US heat wave leaves several dead

A heat wave is blanketing two-thirds of the United States, potentially hitting as many as 200-million people, across the East Coast and the Midwest.

It’s so hot in one city in the U.S. state of Massachusetts, that police are asking residents thinking of committing a crime, to hold off until Monday when things are cooler.

CGTN’s Toby Muse reports from Washington.

A large chunk of the U.S. is roasting this weekend as millions cope with record-setting temperatures and high humidity.

The deaths of at least half a dozen people have been blamed on the excessive heat. The National Weather Service is warning people to “be smart and stay cool” and keep out of the direct sunlight and remain hydrated.

Stifling temperatures in some places are reaching as high as 46 Celsius or about 115 degrees. People are taking to the water to cool down. Public swimming pools are being kept open longer.

“I think it’s taking a toll on everybody because the heat, along with the humidity, is just really exhausting. You can’t be outside for very long without feeling extremely tired. It’s very draining,” said Audrey Stewart a D.C. resident.

This comes as the World Meteorological Organization reported that last month was the hottest June ever recorded. In some parts of central and western Europe, temperatures were 10 degrees Celsius above normal June temperatures.

Nine of the 10 warmest Junes ever recorded have come since 2010.