Warning as 100million Americans hit by heatwave with weather alerts covering 20 states
AN urgent weather warning has been issued for 100million Americans as a heatwave hits the US.
The mercury levels are expected to soar up to as high as 113F in some parts of the country over the coming days as weather alerts cover 20 states.
Temperatures are expected to reach more than 100 degrees for 60 million people in the next week.
"Dangerous heat will continue to impact a large portion of the U.S. this week, with now more than 100 million people under excessive warnings or heat advisories," according to a statement from the .
Officials say the heat will largely affect the southern Plains, the lower Mississippi Valley, the central Plains, and the lower Missouri Valley.
A parallel heatwave has been sweeping Europe this week, resulting in the closing of Spain's railway, according to .
The north-Central US, by contrast, will experience a cold front due to a large area of low pressure.
The Weather Prediction center states that this will result in showers and thunderstorms through the upper Midwest and upper Great Lakes.
The National Weather Service also warns of increased fire risk due to dry and windy conditions near southeast Wyoming and western Nebraska.
"Strong winds and low humidity would likely support the rapid spread of any fires that develop," the report said.
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Weather officials warn that the areas near the southwest, Great Basin, and the Rockies will be experiencing "monsoonal moisture."
This could result in localized flash flooding, which experts warn southwestern citizens to look out for this week.
The National Weather story warned on Monday of the dangers the intense heat poses to those hit.
"Heat is typically the leading cause of weather-related fatalities each year," it said.
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"Heat waves can cover a large area, exposing many people to a dangerous combination of heat and humidity."
The Climate Prediction Center cautions that temperatures are likely to last over the entirety of the next week.