‘Silent killer’: experts warn of record US deaths from extreme heat

Fears of new high death toll this year as prolonged heatwave causes spike in hospitalizations from people who work outside

The punishing heatwaves that have scorched much of the US could result in a record number of heat-related deaths this year, experts have warned, amid a spike in hospitalizations from collapsing workers.

Among those needing hospital treatment are heat-exhausted hikers and even people who have suffered severe burns from touching blistering concrete and asphalt.