"As an oppressive heat wave spreads across the United States -- and shows no sign of slowing until at least through the weekend -- local leaders across the country are urging extreme caution.

The scorching heat that has already settled across much of the south-central US and prompted heat warnings and advisories across the region is now beginning to extend into the Northeast Wednesday, bringing "steamy temperatures into the 90s" and heat index values -- in other words, how hot it will actually feel, based on both the air temperature and humidity -- that are even higher, according to the Weather Prediction Center.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu declared a heat emergency through Thursday and announced there will be at least a dozen cooling centers at facilities across the city and more than 50 splash pads at parks and playgrounds. "It is clear that a changing climate is a risk to our health," the mayor said."

Christina Maxouris reports for CNN July 20, 2022. [2]