Millions sweat out as severe heat wave grips eastern US

NEW YORK — A potentially life-threatening heat wave enveloped the eastern third of the United States on Monday impacting nearly 160 million people, with temperatures this week expected to reach 39 C in the New York metropolitan area.

The country's first significant scorching heat of the year triggered health warnings as it arrived over the weekend. Dangerously high temperatures are forecast through Wednesday in Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City and Boston.

"This extreme heat will not just be uncomfortable and oppressive for New Yorkers," warned Mayor Eric Adams, adding that each year heat claims 500 lives in this city of 8 million.