Graphics show the scale of extreme heat hitting the US - AP News

AP News
March 20, 2026
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2 min read

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The Bottom Line

AP News graphics document the geographic scope and severity of extreme heat waves currently affecting multiple US regions.

How This Affects You

Extreme heat increases your risk of heat-related illness, may raise electricity bills due to grid strain, and could affect food prices through agricultural disruption.

AI Summary

AP News has published graphics documenting the scope and intensity of extreme heat currently affecting the United States. The visualizations illustrate the geographic extent and severity of heat waves across American regions, providing a data-driven view of current weather conditions. Extreme heat poses significant public health risks, including heat-related illnesses and deaths, while also straining power grids and affecting agriculture and infrastructure. Such visual presentations help readers quickly grasp the scale of weather events impacting large portions of the country. The timing reflects the increasing frequency and intensity of heat events in recent years.

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