Over 132 million facing wilting heat across central, eastern US

More than 132 million people across the central and eastern US are facing blistering temperatures to start the week, with rising humidity making it feel even worse and putting a strain on the energy grid as air-conditioners and fans get a workout.

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WASHINGTON -

Heat advisories or excessive heat warnings have been issued from Nebraska to Massachusetts and from North Dakota to Florida, covering all or part of 29 states and more than 38 percent of the US population, according to the National Weather Service.

Sweltering conditions will peak on July 27 and 28 before gradually easing. The US Southeast will be the last to get some relief, later in the week or next.

The high temperatures, made worse by humidity, have set a smattering of records, particularly in the Southeast. Charlotte, North Carolina, hit a high of 38 deg C on July 26.