Millions in US suffer heatwave after storm knocks out power

More than three  million people suffered a second day of 38C temperatures on the east coast of the US without access to air conditioning after sudden storms cut power — and forecasters warned that more are expected today.

Officials say 17 people have died in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Kentucky and Washington DC — most from trees falling on houses and cars — and it could be several days before power is fully restored.

Martin O’Malley, the governor of Maryland, said: “Unlike a polite hurricane that gives you three days’ warning, this storm gave us all the impact of a hurricane without any of the warning of a hurricane.”

People sought refuge from the heat in shopping malls, cinemas and other commercial properties where they thought the air conditioning would still work.

Meanwhile, residents have begun to return to their homes in Colorado Springs after the most destructive wildfire in Colorado’s history. Many found their properties among the nearly 350 burned to the ground. Two bodies were discovered in the ruins.