Searing heat to sweep majority of US ahead of July 4 weekend

A dangerous heatwave is forecast to intensify across much of the eastern and central United States this week, with daytime highs of 95–105 F and high humidity pushing heat index to 100–115 F. About 120 million people are under extreme heat warnings as the Fourth of July weekend approaches, with the heat dome peaking in the Midwest and Mississippi Valley before shifting toward the Ohio Valley and East Coast. Cities have opened cooling centers and activated heat emergency plans (e.g., New York City), and officials warn people to limit outdoor time and stay hydrated; the extreme heat could also make some World Cup matches unsafe for players. Canada’s Ontario region is also set for highs near 37 C, with Toronto hosting a game in the heat.