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More than 75 million Americans face extreme heat, while 2 states brace for snow

The heat will be persist across the Eastern part of the country all week, forecasters say.
Heat in Eastern U.S.
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In the U.S., over 75 million Americans are facing extreme heat alerts as an oppressive heat wave sweeps the U.S. The warmth will be felt up and down the Eastern part of the country.

The Mid-Atlantic and New England are forecast to see multiple straight days of 90-degree temperatures, along with high humidity.

Anyone east of the Mississippi River should be paying attention to local weather advisories and warnings.

The record-breaking heat will stick around for a prolonged period and is expected to last all week.

At the same time, two states are expecting snow. Winter storm warnings are in effect for parts of Idaho and Montana on Monday. Glacier National Park was forecast to receive as much as 20 inches of accumulation.

Out West, California is battling wildfires. Firefighters made progress in containing the Post Fire, which has burned some 24 square miles as of Monday night.

Those Eastern states under heat advisories should take extra precautions this week. There is forecast to be little relief overnight, which is when risks for heat exhaustion or illness come into play.

With heat being the No. 1 weather-related killer in the U.S., people should not ignore signs of heat exhaustion.

Symptoms include heavy sweating, cold pale and clammy skin, muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness and dizziness. When things progress into heat stroke territory, health risks can turn dangerous or even deadly.

Symptoms of heat stroke include a high body temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, hot, red or damp skin, headache, dizziness and nausea.

People should take steps to stay hydrated and cool. Cooling centers will open in several cities for those in need of relief.