Millions in US Battle Deadly Heat Wave, Paramedics See Rise in Heat-Related Illnesses, 1,500 Dead in Europe

One-hundred twenty-four million Americans are under heat alerts, facing temperatures that will climb well into the triple-digits in many areas this week.

Dangerous heat is tightening its hold with 24 states on alert from Texas to Massachusetts. 

Records are expected to be broken in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas where the scorching temperatures are fueling wildfires.

Houston is expected to hit above 100 degrees for the next several days. Residents are being asked to limit use of electricity and water.
 
"We're experiencing a stress on our system because of peak demands with peak weather conditions," said Wayne Larsen of North Texas Municipal Water District.

And as the temperatures keep rising, so are the number of 9-1-1 calls for heat-related illnesses.