139 million at risk as U.S. braces for holiday week heat wave; Western wildfires continue to rage

Heat139 million at risk as U.S. braces for holiday week heat wave; Western wildfires continue to rageAlmost 140 million people are under heat alerts from Illinois to Florida and across the Northeast and New England. Listen to this article with a free profile00:0000:00Attendees shield themselves from the sun with cardboard US flags before the kick-off celebration for the "Great American State Fair" on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on June 24. Oliver Contreras / AFP via Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJune 29, 2026, 11:12 AM EDTBy Mirna Alsharif and Kathryn ProcivMillions of people will have to brace themselves for an exceptionally hot July 4th week as a large swath of the eastern U.S. prepares for a heatwave — all as deadly wildfires continue to burn in the west.Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.Almost 140 million people are under heat alerts from the Midwest to Florida and across the Northeast and New England. The heat is expected to ramp up through the week, with temperatures soaring into the upper 90s and 100s. Heat index values — or what the heat actually feels like to the human body — could reach 105 to 115 degrees. Cities in the risk zone include Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. On Tuesday, major to extreme heat risk is expected, with warm overnight temperatures offering little relief and increasing the risk of heat-related illness.The heat will peak Thursday through Saturday for the Midwest, Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. By July 4th, close to 100 new daily record highs will be set.New York City is expected to receive temperatures as high as 95 degrees on Friday, with a heat index of 106. Washington D.C. and Raleigh will have highs of 103 degrees later on this week with heat indexes of 108 and 107 respectively. Western wildfiresThe Cottonwood Fire near Beaver, Utah, on June 27.Ty ONeil / APOver the weekend, n...