A dangerous heat wave is sweeping across the Midwest United States, with temperatures expected to soar into the upper 90s and heat indices reaching up to 115 degrees. Forecasts indicate that states including Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois will experience the most severe impacts, raising concerns about heat-related illnesses. This follows a study indicating a rise in heat-related mortality in the U.S., with over 21,500 deaths attributed to high temperatures since 1999, and 2,325 deaths reported in 2023 alone. Meanwhile, parts of southwestern China are also facing extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and local authorities implementing safety measures for outdoor workers. In Australia, unseasonal warmth is causing record-high temperatures for August, with warnings of damaging winds also issued in Western Australia. This global trend highlights the increasing prevalence of extreme weather conditions linked to climate change.