Extremely hot weather has started to hit most of the United States, with temperatures set to peak over the weekend, meteorologists say.
The heatwave could affect about 200 million people in major cities like New York, Washington and Boston in the East Coast, and the Midwest region too.
In some places, temperatures could be close to or exceed 100F (38C). Parts of Canada are also being hit.
Earlier this month, the US state of Alaska, part of which lies inside the Arctic Circle, registered record high temperatures.
Which areas are hit by the latest heatwave?
The heatwave is hitting an area stretching from the Central Plains of Colorado and Kansas, to the Great Lakes in the north-east.
“The hazy, hot and humid conditions will persist through the weekend. Be smart and stay cool!” it warned.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio declared “a local emergency due to the extreme heat” in the city.
What is the forecast?
US meteorologists say the heatwave is expected to continue through the weekend, and some cities may see their highest temperatures in years.
In some cities it might feel as hot as in California’s Death Valley – a desert region known for its extreme heat. But they say a dramatic change is on the way early next week, when it is expected to suddenly cool off.
