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Dangerous Weather Conditions Sweep Across the US, Prompting Evacuations and Disruptions

Summary

Extreme weather conditions including smoky haze, heat waves, and powerful storms have created dangerous and uncomfortable situations across various parts of the United States, coinciding with the long July Fourth weekend. The Midwest experienced a powerful storm, classified as a derecho, causing significant damage to trees and buildings in Illinois and Indiana. As a result, more than 250,000 homes and businesses were left without electricity. Meanwhile, the South faced a dangerous heat wave that led to excessive heat warnings in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi, with temperatures reaching above 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius). Unhealthy air quality caused by ongoing wildfires in Quebec and northern Ontario affected parts of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Additionally, parts of the West, including California, were under excessive-heat warnings, raising concerns about fireworks shows and wildfires. The article highlights the impact on airline travel, with flight delays and cancellations, and mentions the recovery efforts and challenges faced by affected individuals and communities.

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