Oppressive heat, high humidity grip much of the US as students start a new school year

A late summer heat wave has gripped much of the United States, with roughly 97 million people facing advisories from the central Plains to the Southeast. Dangerous temperatures and high humidity could cause it to feel up to 115°F in portions of the Southeast due to a trapped heat dome effect. Meteorologists warn that the combination of long-lasting heat, intense conditions, and lack of nighttime relief increases mortality risk.