A severe heat wave is affecting the eastern US, with high temperatures and humidity expected to fuel storms during July 4 celebrations. The heat wave, which has been ongoing for several days, has already broken numerous temperature records and is expected to continue through the weekend.

Heat-Related Illness and Death

A 68-year-old man died in Pennsylvania after suffering from heat exhaustion while trimming bushes. The CDC has also reported extremely high rates of heat-related illness in the Northeast.

The heat wave has also led to the cancellation of several events, including a July 4 parade in Washington, DC. President Trump’s Great American State Fair is opening two hours late due to the extreme heat.

Power Outages and Air Quality Alerts

Thousands of customers in the New York metro area are without power due to the heat wave. Air quality alerts have also been issued, with fireworks and high temperatures expected to create unhealthy air conditions.

The heat wave is expected to start easing on Sunday, with highs next week sinking back into the 80s. However, parts of the Southeast will remain stuck in the 90s for much of next week.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.