Northeast and Midwest prepare for dangerously hot temperatures and heat dome

Things are about to heat up in much of the U.S. with dangerously hot temperatures in the Midwest and Northeast next week, prompting health officials to urge people to make plans now to stay safe. 1. Drink plenty of water and take a cool shower or bath.

The heat wave follows an earlier-than-usual one in the Southwest last week, which saw triple-digit temperatures in cities like Phoenix, where there were 645 heat-related deaths last year. The world has seen record-high temperatures this year, with more than three-quarters of the global population experiencing at least one month of extreme heat.  2. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, and use your stove and oven less.

Last year the U.S. had the most heat waves — abnormally hot weather lasting more than two days — since 1936. In the South and Southwest, last year was the worst on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  3. Check on friends and relatives, especially those without air conditioning.