*By: Madison Alworth* The hottest month of the year just got a whole lot hotter. Most of the U.S. is being blanketed by a scorching heat wave, with temperatures for half of the lower 48 states exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and feeling even hotter. "If you go anywhere from Virginia up to Maine, there is no region you can find that doesn't feel like 100 degrees," said Andrew Freedman, science editor at Axios. What's particularly disturbing for climate scientists, is that in some areas, temperatures didn't fall below 80 degrees at night. "Climate scientists are looking at warming nights, warming faster than days, and that's consistent with climate change," said Freedman. Heat advisories and excessive heat warnings are in effect thanks to a so-called "heat dome," an unusually intense area of high pressure that keeps regions under its influence sunny and storm-free. And the longer the heat wave lasts, the more dangerous it gets. This one could extend for most of the month, said Freedman. "The long duration aspect of it has some public health people a little bit concerned. Because the longer you go with the body under such stress, the more likely it is you'll have heat-related illness and possible health-related deaths," he said. And while the higher temps might be welcome as you hit the pool or beach this holiday week, heat illnesses are no joke. "Heat is the number one weather killer in a typical year," explained Freedman. For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/heatwave-hits-u-s).

Share:
More In Culture
Eyeing Some Cool Collectibles at New York Comic Con
If you have some older comic books stashed away in your attic, basement or closet, make sure to check their condition as they could be traded for serious cash. Cheddar News' Michelle Castillo at New Yor Comic Con spoke with Chris D'Lando, event manager with NYCC for Reedpop; Andy Mourat, co-founder and president of MetaZoo; and Julian Montoya, senior vice president of The Noble Collection, to get their thoughts.
Top Products for Anti-Aging Skin Care With Clinique Executive
Susan Akkad, senior vice president of innovation at Clinique, a finalist in the anti-aging category for the CEW Beauty Awards, joined Cheddar News to demonstrate some products to care for your skin as you age and how that is part of your overall healthcare.
Load More