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How to cope with the heatwave in the US right now

People sunbathe in Central Park in New York City on June 20, 2025.
People sunbathe in Central Park in New York City on June 20, 2025. (AFP via Getty Images)
  • The first major heatwave of 2025 began on Friday, June 20, placing over 40 million people across the US under heat alerts.
  • Temperatures are expected to reach the 90s Fahrenheit in the Midwest this weekend, with triple-digit highs in major East Coast cities and Denver early next week.
  • This extreme heat poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, with climate change exacerbating these events.
  • The danger is amplified by high humidity and the lack of overnight temperature drops, which prevent the body from recovering.
  • Mitigation strategies include using air conditioning, seeking public cooling centers, staying hydrated, and recognizing symptoms of heat illness.
  • Workplace protections against extreme heat are inconsistent across the US, with no federal regulations, making it challenging for outdoor workers to stay safe.
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