Least 22 Dead with Scorching Heat Wave in Southern U.S.; Likely to Persist

Temperature Touching 100 Degrees in southern States of U.S.

A heat dome covering much of the central and southern United States is pushing temperatures into the triple digits and causing heat wave conditions. At least 22 people have reportedly expired from extreme heat. Those most at risk are elderly people and children.

The National Weather Service said, "These triple-digit temperatures are forecast to remain in place across the eastern U.S. through Saturday before cooling off slightly to the mid-90s by Sunday."

More than 141 million people in more than two dozen states were under a heat advisory or warning because of the soaring temperatures, the most recent in a series of heat waves that have scorched the country's midsection off and on since late May, the National Weather Service reported.

In Wichita, the largest city in the U.S. state of Kansas, the temperature is expected to touch 100 degrees every day up to next Tuesday. The city has already suffered the soaring heat 100 degrees or more on more than 24 days so far in 2011.