Over 60 million Americans are experiencing warnings of heat waves, as an extended period of very hot weather has gripped several states prior to the July 4th weekend. According to weather forecasts, temperatures are expected to rise beyond 100°F (38°C) in several states due to humidity and heat waves.

The National Weather Service issued warnings that the heat index, calculated using the temperature and the level of humidity, will go up to 115°F (46°C) in some parts of the Midwest and East Coast. They expect this warm spell to last throughout the holiday weekend and increase the chances of developing heat-related illnesses.

Some local governments have already put their emergency plans into action. In Chicago, officials have set up cooling centers and have increased efforts to inform senior citizens and those without access to air conditioning about the dangers of high temperatures. New York City has sent mobile hydration teams, misting stations, and cooling towels to help the city's residents get through the heat wave. Washington, D.C., the location of Independence Day celebrations, is also bracing itself for hot temperatures close to 100°F.

Health experts are calling on people to remain indoors, especially during the hottest part of the day, keep hydrated, and look in on elderly neighbors and family members. Health care practitioners have warned that no child should ever be left unattended inside a car. Nine children have already succumbed to heat inside cars in America, according to reports by the National Safety Council.

Pet lovers are also being warned that they should not take their pets for walks during the hottest period of the day, since the heat of the road could possibly burn the paws of the animal. The animals should always have access to fresh drinking water and places of shade in the sun.

The heat will also have an impact on the outdoor activities, including sporting events, such as some of the knockout games for the FIFA World Cup that have been set to be played in America in the coming days. In one of the games earlier in the World Cup, there were delays because of extreme weather and heat-related sicknesses among spectators in Miami and Houston.

According to experts, the heat wave will persist through the holidays, and there might be temperatures that exceed all previous highs in some regions. Officials have continued to remind people to stay updated on the weather conditions around them and take all necessary precautions since many people will be moving around for holiday celebrations.