US temperatures continue to rise as millions affected by extreme heat and wildfire smoke – as it happened

East coast cities under air quality alerts while southern states grapple with record-breaking deadly heatwave

Here are some pictures coming across the newswires of the heatwave in Texas:

The National Weather Service has issued a fireworks warning as the country heads into next week and Independence Day with record-breaking temperatures across the country.

In addition to the increasing temperatures, fire danger will also be increasing as we head into next week and Independence Day. Please be safe with fireworks and review any and all burn bans in your area," it said.