At least five people died in powerful storms and a possible tornado that passed through the city of St. Louis in the US state of Missouri, BNR reported.
Against this backdrop, Texas is gripped by a heat wave.
Search and rescue operations are underway in St. Louis for injured people. Strong winds have uprooted trees and power lines, there is roof damage and other damage to the infrastructure.
Over 5,000 private homes have been affected, and about 100,000 consumers were without electricity. Dozens of people were hospitalized with injuries from the bad weather.
The local weather service is still not sure whether a tornado has passed through the city, but it is considered highly likely. The storms are part of a weather phenomenon that caused tornadoes in the state of Wisconsin, where thousands were left without power, and a heat wave in Texas, where temperatures are between 35 and even exceed 40 degrees.
High humidity is also expected there over the weekend and the weather will feel even hotter. Warnings for tornadoes, hail and hurricane-force winds have been issued for the Midwest. There was also a tornado in the state of Illinois, which happens rarely, the AP notes. A dust storm warning is in effect for Chicago.
A "dust wall" stretching more than 100 miles (160 km) from southwest Chicago to northern Indiana has reduced visibility significantly.
Storms and hail are also expected in Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas and Ohio.