(weatherbell.com)A heat wave featuring a life-threatening combination of heat and oppressive humidity has begun to spread across the United States, with excessive heat warnings and heat advisories in effect for at least 22 states and the District of Columbia. The most vulnerable populations to heat waves include the elderly, those with chronic health conditions, athletes who practice outdoors, and children. Extreme heat is the deadliest form of extreme weather in the United States, beating hurricanes and floods in a typical year. Data shows heat waves are affecting 50 major cities in the United States more frequently now than several decades ago, increasing from twice per year during the 1960s to nearly six heat waves per year in the 2010s. (However, the Dust Bowl-era of the 1930s still tops the list of the most extreme heat events in the United States, the report found.)

Source: Washington Post July 17, 2019 15:34 UTC