Sweltering heat wave grips central and southern US for a second straight day

A heat wave with temperatures exceeding 105°F (40.5°C) and heat indices up to 120°F (49°C) is affecting central and southern U.S. regions for a second consecutive day, driven by a heat dome. Authorities warn vulnerable groups like children, older adults, and those with medical conditions about risks of heat stroke, as the continental U.S. recorded the second-hottest first half of the year in 2026.