Around 162 million at risk as U.S. braces for holiday heat wave; wildfires rage in the West

Major to extreme heat risk is expected starting Tuesday, and by the July Fourth weekend, close to 100 new daily record highs will be set across the country.

Millions of people will have to brace themselves for an exceptionally hot July Fourth week as most of the U.S. prepares for a heat wave — all as deadly wildfires continue to burn in the West.

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Around 162 million people are under heat alerts from the Great Plains to the Northeast, spanning 35 states. 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; Philadelphia; Baltimore; Washington; Chicago; Minneapolis; St. Louis; Nashville, Tennessee; Atlanta; Orlando, Florida; and Cleveland.