Heartland Heat Wave Continues; Deaths Reported

Extreme Heat Forecast Across Much of United States; Air Quality Deteriorates At least five people have died from heat in Memphis, and air quality is deteriorating across wide swaths of the United States, as a long heat wave continues. Temperatures are expected to be in the 90s and approach 100 in parts of the south today. Ozone forms when pollutants mix with heat and sunlight. The gas can cause respiratory damage, and is particularly harmful to young children, older people and those with existing heart and lung problems. This map shows the forecast for air quality across the eastern United States today. Areas of yellow and red will near or exceed recommended limits for sensitive populations, as measured by an 8-hour average concentration at 7 p.m. today. National Weather Service