This archive report was first published on 21 July 2019.
As of July 21, 2019, a severe heat wave has engulfed much of the United States, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels. The 'heat dome' that has spread from the middle of the country to the Great Lakes and the East Coast has left millions of people searching for ways to stay cool.
From New York, where temperatures are hotter than those in New Delhi, to Washington, which feels like Death Valley, the heat wave has brought widespread suffering. In some areas, temperatures have reached above 100 degrees, making it a life-threatening situation for many.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings and guidelines to help people cope with the heat, including drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air-conditioned rooms, and avoiding the sun. However, not everyone has heeded this advice, with some people finding creative ways to stay cool, such as filling bottles with ice and holding them against their skin.
Children in Chicago have even found ways to play outside and stay cool at the same time, while zoos and farms have taken steps to protect their animals from the heat. In Ohio, a zoo made blood-infused popsicles for the lions, jaguars, and snow leopards, while dogs enjoyed ice cream and a panda ate frozen fruit.
Despite the heat, some entrepreneurs have seen an opportunity to make a profit, selling cold beverages to anyone who would take them. Meanwhile, an outdoor market in Detroit remained open on Saturday, with vendors selling flowers, blueberries, hot sauce, and salsa, even in the face of a heat warning.
Philadelphia was also under an excessive heat warning, but people continued to enjoy the parks and lakes. For many young people on summer break, a visit to the public pool has been a welcome antidote to the oppressive heat.
