More Than a Quarter of America Faces Extreme Heat as Sweltering Temperatures Soar

A quarter of the U.S. population is under active extreme heat warnings as temperatures soar to their highest of the season.

Officials from the National Weather Service forecast the high pressure system plaguing much of the Southwest will begin to weaken by next week, returning temperatures near normal, but until then, expect more sweltering heat.

"Some relief is underway," said David Hefner, meteorologist for the National Weather Service. "We’ll very slowly start ramping down the rest of the week."

“Pick your poison,” he added. “In about a week, temps will probably be at or near normal but the humidity is going to be higher. You’re trading very hot and dry for very warm and humid.”

The sweltering heat continues to singe places like Rio Grande Village, Texas, along the southern border, where it reached 117 degrees on Tuesday.

While temperatures remain near triple-digits in some parts, Hefner says it's important to remember to remain indoors, if possible, and to continue drinking water.

"Stay hydrated and avoid the outdoors from about noon to 5 p.m. Stop any strenuous work and stay in the shade," he said.

"If you don’t have AC in your house, then that’s another matter and can be pretty dangerous. If you don’t have AC, go to the store and hang out. Wait it out."