America's 'oppressive' heat wave

A stifling heat dome's thick, tropical air sends temperatures skyrocketing across the country

Children cool off in the Bronx borough on Tuesday: A stifling heat wave has sent temperatures skyrocketing throughout the country.
(Image credit: REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton)

An unusually massive high-pressure system that's stalled over the center of the country is sending temperatures so high they're blowing the mercury out of thermometers nationwide. Heat records are being shattered in cities from Texas to Minnesota, and electric utilities are straining under the heavy demand from thousands of air-conditioning units. Here, a guide to the "oppressive" 2011 heat wave:

Just how bad is this heat wave?

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