A near record strong heat dome has enveloped the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. It is poised to bring record-breaking high temperatures and sultry, uncomfortable nights during the next two weeks, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Why it matters: Prolonged, scorching temperatures increase the risk of heat illnesses or death among the millions of people who must face them. Threat level: Multiple cities are likely to see spikes in heat-related illnesses, which target those without access to cooling as well as the very young, elderly and people with certain chronic illnesses. • A key indicator of the ... (full story)