Heat wave scorches Midwest, Northeast

Chicago broke a 1957 temperature record on Monday

- JOHN SEEWER AND PATRICK ORSAGOS

Stifling heat blanketed tens of millions across United States on Tuesday, forcing people and even zoo animals to find ways to cool down as summer arrives in what promises to be a sweltering week.

Extreme heat alerts stretched from Iowa to Ohio and even into the upper reaches of Michigan on Tuesday, cancelling youth sports camps, nature walks and festivals across the region. The National Weather Service said the dangerous heat wave was expected to make its way across the country and into Maine until at least Friday.

An organization that provides produce to areas with limited access to fresh foods in Columbus, Ohio, prepared frozen towels for their workers in case of overheating and packed cold water to stay hydrated.

"Hydration is the key," said Monique McCoy, market manager for the Local Matters Veggie Van.