A heat wave is nearing breaking point from the Midwest to New England in the United States.
According to the National Weather Service, the heat peaked last Thursday in the eastern Great Lakes and New England, and Friday or over the weekend in the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic.
The heat index, which combines temperature and humidity, is expected to exceed 100 degrees in many places, even breaking historic records.
The Associated Press met dog walkers in New York who beat the heat by taking their dogs to a dog park where they can play in a paddling pool.
“I’m concerned about the heat wave for the dog’s sake,” said Belle Williams, a dog walker in New York. “The other dog I walk usually goes for an hour walk. But right now we only go for 20 minutes and play inside the rest of the time because it’s too hot .
Dog walker Emily Gonzalez urges her clients and other dog walkers tobe attentive to dogs suffering from heat exhaustion, while ensuring giving them enough water and being careful of hot sidewalks.
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul activated the National Guard to deal with any heat-related emergencies that may arise in the coming days.
She also announced that entry and parking fees at state parks, pools and beaches would be waived Wednesday and Thursday.
Weather services warn that record temperatures recorded overnight prevent natural cooling, meaning the danger of heat can build up indoors.
