The summer heat wave in North America led to morethan 82 heat-related deaths across the United States andCanada. The intense three-week-long spell began aroundJune 20, when a high pressure system centered over BajaCalifornia moved into the plains, creating temperaturesnear or exceeding 110 degrees. The heat spread east fromthe Rocky Mountains, causing high temperatures in thecentral states rivaling records from 80 years ago. On June25, Denver tied its all-time high with a temperature of 105degrees. Hill City, Kansas, was the warmest spot in theUnited States on June 26, reaching 115 degrees. All of thisheat was probably the engine for the June Derecho, whichformed in the Midwest and tore through the Mid-Atlantic.The heat wave even reached New England, as Hartford,Connecticut, hit 100 degrees on July 18.