From the Midwest to the northern tip of Maine, millions of Americans sweltered under a springtime heat wave on Wednesday that stifled the Eastern portion of the United States for a third consecutive day.
As the heat wave moved east, the Northeast felt the brunt of the conditions, stemming from a high-pressure system called a heat dome that scorched the Great Lakes region earlier this week.
More than 78 million people were under heat warnings, watches and advisories on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Heat waves are not uncommon in mid-June, but the Weather Service warned that this one could last longer than some places have experienced in decades.
Heat waves are also hotter, more frequent and longer lasting now because of global warming.
Persons:
Jay Engle, —
Organizations:
National Weather Service, Weather Service
Locations:
Midwest, Maine, United States, Bangor, Houlton, Caribou