Extreme heat is expected across the eastern half of the country this week. Several heat advisories and warnings are now in effect.
Some of the country’s largest corn and soybean states, including Iowa and Illinois, are expecting the highest temperatures this week, with heat indexes topping 100°.
The National Weather Service warns that the prolonged heat could significantly impact crops, especially since this is the season’s first heatwave.
Lows in the 70s will offer little relief overnight.
It will be important to stay safe and keep heat-related illnesses in mind this week.
Several signs of heat exhaustion include cramps, rashes, excessive sweating, feeling weak, and headaches. Heat exhaustion is a signal that the body is losing its ability to maintain a stable core temperature, but heat stroke is a medical emergency. Signs of heat stroke include a lack of sweating, cognitive ability failures, and seizures.