Millions seek relief from a severe heat dome that’s led to lake drownings, leaking methane gas and affected farmers
At a splash pad on the banks of the Great Miami River in downtown Dayton, Michelle Winston, her partner and their daughter have come to cool off from the brutal heat.
“It’s our first time down here this year, but because it’s so hot, we’ll be coming back for sure,” she says as she helps her daughter clear water from her eyes.
Winston, her family and around 25 other Daytonians at the splash pad are among the millions of midwesterners seeking relief from a severe heat dome that’s engulfed the eastern US this week.
In Kentucky, Louisville’s metro emergency services initiated Operation White Flag on Monday, which allows people to access two of its shelters when the heat index crosses 95F (35C) – nine degrees above normal for this time of year.
