A heat wave has hit the United States and some regions are boiling. From the Midwest to the East Coast, people and animals are doing their best to stay cool.

Because of power blackouts caused by severe storms, many people have had to battle the heat without fans or air conditioners. A number of cities have opened 'cooling centres' and extended the opening hours of public swimming pools.

Rather than stay home, some people have opted to hang out at air-conditioned libraries and shopping malls. In this week's eye report, we take a look at how Americans are coping with the sweltering conditions.