Half of the U.S. on heat advisory

High temperatures continue to wreak havoc in the United States. Around 180-190 million people, or more than half of the country's population, will experience temperatures exceeding 100º Fahrenheit. As reported by the National Weather Service (NWS), people in the Northeast and in states such as Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and West Virginia are under excessive heat advisories. Southern Arizona and parts of southeastern California are also experiencing extreme heat.

In Texas, the temperature in cities such as Dallas, Austin and San Antonio will hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit over the weekend, according to NWS forecasters. Temperatures will be high, although lower than in other parts of the country like Florida. For example, in Miami, highs of 90 degrees Fahrenheit are expected this Friday and through the weekend.

Health risks and illnesses caused by the heat wave

Authorities have already warned that this heat wave poses serious health risks if precautions are not taken. The NWS suggests that the best ways to cope with the heat are by staying hydrated, avoiding exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day and staying in air-conditioned places.

The NWS offers a series of recommendations for dealing with heat exhaustion. It encourages people to go to air-conditioned places, wear loose clothes, drink cold water and, if symptoms do not disappear, seek medical help. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, intense sweating, thirst and weakness.

In the event of a heat stroke, the NWS recommends calling emergency services as soon as possible, especially if the person has fainted or become confused. They should also be moved to an air-conditioned place.

Biden: heat wave directly linked to "climate crisis"

According to the Biden administration, the high temperatures, which are common this time of the year, are the result of what they call a "climate crisis." In a press release issued in July, the White House listed certain steps they took to protect Americans from the heat, such as "securing more than $50 billion to help Americans in every single state become more resilient to climate impacts like heat waves."

Other policies it will pursue include "developing a National Heat Strategy centered on equity and environmental justice" and establishing "two virtual research centers to help communities manage and improve resilience to extreme heat." The Biden administration claims that all of them are included in "the most ambitious climate agenda in U.S. history."