New heatwave grips U.S. Rockies and northern plains amid World Cup matches

Millions of Americans are bracing for a dangerous heatwave as a new wave of extreme temperatures settles over the Rocky Mountains and northern plains. Approximately 44 million people are currently under heat advisories, with forecasts predicting highs above 38°C (100°F) in many areas.

Meteorologists warn that this weekend could see historical temperature records broken, particularly in Salt Lake City. The National Weather Service has labeled this a "dangerous heatwave," with temperatures expected to be 8 to 13°C (14-23°F) above seasonal norms. The heat is projected to move west and central next week.

This extreme weather poses significant challenges, not only for daily life but also for ongoing efforts to combat widespread wildfires in Colorado and Utah. In the southeast, Florida is also experiencing intense heat, with the perceived temperature expected to reach 43°C (109°F) during the England-Norway World Cup match in Miami, where the stadium lacks air conditioning.

This latest heatwave follows a similar event in early July that affected the U.S. East Coast, bringing temperatures near 40°C (104°F) in cities like New York and Philadelphia. The extreme heat in the U.S. comes as Western Europe recorded its hottest June ever, with heatwaves causing at least 1,300 deaths, according to the WHO. The increasing intensity and frequency of heatwaves globally are linked to climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels.