As Europe continues to suffer from a deadly heatwave, the United States is also bracing for record-breaking temperatures.

According to a report by CBS on June 28 (local time), the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) has forecast a prolonged period of extreme heat across a wide area ahead of the July 4 Independence Day holiday.

The weather agency expects high temperatures to persist over the next few days across the lower Great Lakes, the Mid-Atlantic region, and the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys.

East Coast cities including New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Baltimore, as well as Chicago, St. Louis, and Detroit, are expected to be affected by the heatwave.

Southern cities such as Memphis and Dallas are also anticipated to experience high temperatures.

The heatwave is expected to impact more than half of the country and is likely to continue until next weekend.

While temperatures are forecast to climb into the mid-to-high 30s Celsius (90s Fahrenheit), high humidity is expected to push the heat index as high as 46°C (115°F).

Temperatures in Phoenix, Las Vegas, and central Texas have already surpassed 37°C (99°F).

Meteorological and health authorities are on high alert due to concerns over public health, including the potential for large-scale heat-related illnesses.

The National Weather Service has advised the public to refrain from outdoor activities as temperatures rise, stay in air-conditioned indoor spaces or shaded areas, and remain well-hydrated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, headaches, and dizziness.

Across the Atlantic, European countries including France, Germany, Denmark, and Switzerland have been suffering from a record-breaking heatwave for several days.

Temperatures in some parts of Germany have soared above 40°C (104°F), and red alerts have been issued repeatedly in France.

The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the number of deaths linked to the heatwave in Europe has exceeded 1,300 since June 21.

(Photo: U.S. National Weather Service, Yonhap News)