The National Weather Service (NWS) had heat advisories in place for parts of 15 states early on Friday, with the agency warning of hot temperatures expected over the Plains into the lower Mississippi River Valley, as well as a portion of the Southeast U.S. coast Friday.
Why It Matters
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), extreme heat can trigger heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations such as older adults, young children, and those with certain medical conditions.
The agency notes that extreme heat contributes to more than 700 deaths annually across the U.S.
Rising temperatures can also worsen ground-level ozone pollution, potentially compounding existing health risks .
What To Know
At the time of writing, the heat advisor