A significant heatwave continues to afflict most of the United States, with several regions experiencing record-breaking temperatures as of Friday, June 21, 2024. Forecasts predict little reprieve from the sweltering conditions over the weekend. The Midwest, particularly Ohio and Indiana, is experiencing some of the highest temperatures, with heat indexes exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heat and excessive heat warnings are also in place for the Northeast, the mid-Atlantic, and parts of the West. Over 100 million people across the country are under heat advisories. The heatwave has notably strained public services and disrupted daily life for many residents.

In Michigan, utility crews from surrounding states are working to restore power to thousands of homes and businesses in the Detroit suburbs, following power outages from severe storms earlier in the week. As of Friday morning, roughly 14,000 homes and businesses remained without power in Oakland County.

The excessive heat has also been linked to heat-related deaths; Idaho officials confirmed two fatalities, marking the state’s first heat-related deaths of the year. Meanwhile, heavy rains have caused significant flooding in northern Minnesota, leading to road closures and extensive property damage.

Despite the oppressive heat, utility grids have shown resilience, with limited power outages primarily caused by storms rather than heat-induced failures. Experts attribute this to increased solar capacity and other energy infrastructure improvements.

Events such as the “Blazing Paddles Paddlefest” on Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River have been postponed or rescheduled due to the extreme heat. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz visited flood-damaged areas in St. Louis County, estimating at least $50 million in damage and seeking potential federal disaster declarations.