Heat Wave Sizzles US

Ten ways to keep the sun from getting you down

(NEWSER) - Everyone needs a little vitamin D, but sunburn (or, worse, heatstroke) is no fun. Protect yourself and your family with these tips from MSNBC:

1. Drink up! Plan on 1 gallon of water per person per day.
2. Smear on the sunblock and slap on a hat.
3. Wear breathable fabrics, like cotton or linen, in light colors.

Region reaches for the iced tea as temps shatter records

(NEWSER) - A heat wave brought record high temperatures to much of the Southeast yesterday, with highs of over 100 degrees recorded in Georgia, the Carolinas, and Kentucky. Excessive heat warnings ruled the day, prompting the National Weather Service to urge people to stay inside in air-conditioning and drink plenty of fluids, reports CNN. More»

When temps don't cool off at night, it gets truly dangerous

(NEWSER) - The sun can be brutal during this record heat wave , but it's overnight temperatures that should really worry you, writes Christopher Mims at Grist . In June, Oman recorded the world's highest minimum temperature ever (107.1 degrees), and in many places, minimum night temperatures are rising even faster than daytime maximum temps. This matters because overnight heat kills more people, writes Mims. More»

29 states remain under heat advisories

(NEWSER) - Twenty-nine states are under advisories as a blistering heat wave continues, MSNBC reports. East Coast temps are projected to hit highs in the 90s and 100s, says a meteorologist, but the heat index—what it feels like—could be closer to 115 degrees through tomorrow, says the National Weather Service. “In this heat, it's not just about discomfort,” an expert said. It’s about “survival.” More»

Electric companies scramble as 23,000 homes lose power

(NEWSER) - Continued triple-digit temperatures across Southern California fried transformers as everyone turned on the AC, knocking out power across the region. The LA Times reports 21,000 homes were still waiting for power last night, and Southern California Edison was scrambling to keep up. "We need is a break in the weather to slow the pace in calls," a spokesman said. More»