"An intense heat wave broke records in more than a dozen states on Friday, and spawned one of the most damaging severe thunderstorm events seen in years. At least 3 million Americans, mainly in areas from Indiana Southeast to Virginia, were facing the prospect of another day of triple-digit heat heat without the benefit of air conditioning on Saturday, after the storms knocked out power. The severe weather also killed at least 13 people, including two young boys who were killed by a falling tree as they camped with their family in southern New Jersey."

"The severe thunderstorms took shape over Iowa and Illinois during the early afternoon on Friday, and by evening they had roared all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, rippling along the boundary between the extremely hot and humid conditions to the south, and cooler and drier air to the north."

Andrew Freedman reports for Climate Central June 30, 2012. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Power Outages After Storm Could Last for Days" (Washington Post) [3]

"Quick Facts on Storms, Summer Heat in Eastern US" (AP) [4]

"Drought Stirs Anxieties in Farm Country" (St. Louis Post-Dispatch) [5]

"Blistering Drought Threatens Kentucky Crops" (Louisville Courier-Journal) [6]

"Tmperatures In Chattanooga Region Expected To Outpace Nation's" (Chattanooga Times Free Press) [7]

"Derecho: Behind Washington, D.C.’s Destructive Thunderstorm Outbreak, June 29, 2012" (Capital Weather Gang/WashPost) [8]