"A scorching heat wave roasting the country and leading up to the summer solstice was expected to intensify in the coming days, potentially breaking records and impacting more than 135 million people, meteorologists warned Wednesday.

From the Ohio Valley to the mid-Atlantic to New England, temperatures will reach the 90s, and some places could soar to over 100 degrees, according to AccuWeather.

Pockets of the U.S. not accustomed to extreme heat were already feeling the effects Wednesday, such as Caribou, Maine, where records go back to 1939. "The heat index at Caribou currently stands at 103F," the weather service said in a social media post. "That's an unofficial all-time record." The heat index in parts of the state could rise even higher − to 105 − on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service."

Michael Loria reports For USA TODAY June 19, 2024. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"One In Five Americans Under Extreme Weather Alerts" (BBC News) [3]

"Another Heat Wave Is Hitting The U.S. Here’s What You Need To Know" (STAT) [4]

"Strengthening Storm Alberto Takes Aim At Mexico's Gulf Coast, At Least Three Dead" (Reuters) [5]