ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - A dangerous heat wave is expected to peak Thursday and Friday as the hottest air of the season moves into parts of the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Heat warnings remain in effect across several states as millions face dangerously high temperatures and heat-related risks.

The extreme heat is also affecting travel. Delta Air Lines says operations to, from and through New York’s LaGuardia Airport could experience disruptions because of the weather. The airline is encouraging passengers to check their flight status frequently and enable travel notifications before heading to the airport.

Meanwhile, federal officials have recalled about 13,000 Amana air conditioners and heat pumps due to potential burn and fire hazards. According to Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing, the recalled window-room air conditioners and through-the-wall units were sold between April and December of last year for between $850 and $1,500.

Consumers who own one of the affected units are urged to stop using them immediately and contact the manufacturer for a full refund.

The dangerous temperatures also serve as an important reminder about the risks of leaving children or pets inside parked vehicles.

Authorities in Cobb County charged a North Georgia man with animal cruelty after police said he left a Rottweiler inside a parked vehicle at Town Center Mall in Kennesaw for about 30 minutes with the engine turned off. Investigators said the temperature inside the vehicle reached 148 degrees.

Veterinarians warn pets can overheat much faster than people, making even a few minutes inside a parked vehicle potentially life-threatening. Experts say cracked windows do little to prevent temperatures from rising to dangerous levels.

On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can climb above 100 degrees in just 10 minutes and approach 120 degrees within 30 minutes.

Officials encourage everyone to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.

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