Millions across the US have been caught up in dangerous weather conditions over the weekend and are braced for further extreme conditions ahead of the 4 July holiday, as thunderstorms and intense heat continue to affect much of the country.
As of Monday, 36m people are under excessive heat warnings in the US, particularly in the south and western areas, reported ABC News. Record high temperatures in some places will likely remain as many gear up to celebrate the Independence Day holiday on Tuesday.
Phoenix, Arizona’s capital city, is expected to hit a high temperature of 116F (46C) on Monday, the Associated Press reported, as temperatures remained above 100F (37C) throughout the weekend and, dangerously, are not coming down much at night, giving little relief and straining power systems as residents try to stay cool.
Nevada is facing its first heat advisory of the summer, as Las Vegas is expected to reach 112F (44C) on Monday, reported the National Weather Service (NSW). Temperatures are forecast to remain above 105F (40.5C) for the rest of the week.
Similar temperatures are forecast in much of the south. The heat index, what the temperature will feel like, is expected to hit 104 in Dallas, 104 in New Orleans, and 109 in Corpus Christi, Texas, for example, reported ABC.
Many midwest cities are also dealing with the aftermath of severe rain and flooding.
Weekend thunderstorms in Chicago flooded streets and highways, as nearly nine inches of rain fell in some areas of the city in just a few hours, affecting trains as well as motorists.
Resident Katera Fisher told WLS-TV that her car started to float as she attempted to drive through the flood.
“I went and my car just started floating, and I said, ‘Oh, snap.’ So, my first reaction was to try and get out of the car. I opened the door, and the water started flooding my feet,” Fisher told WLS-TV.
Nascar officials were forced to cancel the remainder of a planned race in the city’s downtown area on Sunday. The race had originally been postponed due to lightening, but was ultimately ended over floods.
Many in the midwest are without power after the weekend storms. Over 20,000 people had no power in Lexington, Kentucky, as of Monday morning, reported the Lexington Herald Leader.
Mass outages were also reported in Springfield, Illinois on Thursday, with over 30,000 residents left without power after severe storms in the area.
Thunderstorms and heavy rain are also expected in the northeastern region this week, as the NWS issued a hazardous weather outlook for New York City and areas of northern New Jersey, reported Pix11 News.