US bakes as heatwave strikes bringing temperatures of 41C

Parts of the United States have faced sweltering heat as a massive heatwave with temperatures of 41C swept the country.

Sizzling temperatures have hit, with some people being forced to retreat to cooling centres.

A meteorologist with the National Weather Services’s Weather Prediction Center said: “It’s pretty hot right now, from the Plains states all the way through the Mississippi Valley to the East Coast.”

Cooling points have been set up in Chicago, Washington and New York as libararies and shopping malls are used as hubs.

Tourists visiting the monuments and museums on the National Mall in Washington endured temperatures approaching 37.8C.

Residents in a retirement community in Philadelphia were forced to leave after a power failure disabled the air conditions. Many had to go into a shelter at West Philadelphia High School, a city spokeswoman said.

By midday Saturday, Boston's heat index was 39C and forecast to rise 40 C by late afternoon. New York's heat index was 38 C and forecast to rise to 43C.

Some outdoor activities, including the New York City Triathlon and a running race outside Washington, were cancelled.

Sizzling temperatures were expected to persist through Sunday, but relief is in sight, Mr Lamers said.

"A cold front north of us will start shifting south and by Sunday evening, it will make progress toward Boston, Pittsburgh, St. Louis. By Monday morning, it might be reaching Washington, Cincinnati with some rain and thunderstorms," he said.