South Faces Intense Heat Wave: A Visual Overview

Severe Heat Wave Affecting Millions in the South

Millions of Americans have been sweltering under a heat wave that has brought triple-digit temperatures to parts of the South. This extreme weather condition poses serious health risks.

Understanding the Phenomenon Behind the Heat Wave

The scorching temperatures are caused by a “heat dome”, which is created when a ridge of high pressure builds over an area. This process traps warm air inside, raising temperatures to uncomfortable and dangerous levels.

Health Risks Associated with Extreme Heat

As Americans face rising temperatures, officials are urging individuals to take essential safety precautions. The medical examiner in Webb County, Texas, reported that nine people died in just eight days due to heat-related illnesses.

Safety Tips to Stay Protected

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, usually between 10 AM and 4 PM.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Use fans or air conditioning when possible to keep cool.
  • Check in on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and young children.

Real-Life Impacts of the Heat Wave

A man cools off in a mister at Kauffman Stadium before a Major League Baseball game in Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday, June 28.
A man cools off in a mister at Kauffman Stadium before a Major League Baseball game in Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday, June 28.
Construction crews work to repair a Houston road that was damaged by the extreme heat.
Construction crews work to repair a Houston road that was damaged by the extreme heat.
A backyard thermometer shows triple-digit temperatures in Plano, Texas, on Tuesday, June 27.
A backyard thermometer shows triple-digit temperatures in Plano, Texas, on Tuesday, June 27.
EMTs treat a woman who was suffering from heat exhaustion in Eagle Pass.
EMTs treat a woman who was suffering from heat exhaustion in Eagle Pass.
Sweat runs down the face of Robert Harris as he digs fence-post holes in Houston on June 27.
Sweat runs down the face of Robert Harris as he digs fence-post holes in Houston on June 27.
A cooler filled with ice water is wheeled outside a Salvation Army shelter in Conroe, Texas, on June 27.
A cooler filled with ice water is wheeled outside a Salvation Army shelter in Conroe, Texas, on June 27.
Archimedes, a Eurasian eagle-owl, is cooled off by his handler at the Phoenix Zoo on June 27.
Archimedes, a Eurasian eagle-owl, is cooled off by his handler at the Phoenix Zoo on June 27.
Regina 'Mama Cat' Rhodes fans herself at her tarot card table in New Orleans on June 27.
Regina ‘Mama Cat’ Rhodes fans herself at her tarot card table in New Orleans on June 27.
People are silhouetted against the setting sun in Kansas City on June 23.
People are silhouetted against the setting sun in Kansas City on June 23.
A temperature display in Houston reads 99 degrees on June 21.
A temperature display in Houston reads 99 degrees on June 21.
Dymond Black sits with a towel over his head in Austin, Texas, on June 19.
Dymond Black sits with a towel over his head in Austin, Texas, on June 19.


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