A scorching heat wave has enveloped the eastern United States, bringing record-breaking temperatures and affecting nearly 160 million people. The heat dome, a high-pressure system trapping air and steadily raising thermal readings, has led to Extreme Heat Warnings being issued across 29 states.
In New York City, Central Park hit a record high of 96 degrees on Monday, tying a record set in 1888. The city’s mayor, Eric Adams, warned that the heat wave would be “brutal and dangerous” and urged residents to take necessary precautions. “It’s going to be brutal and dangerous if you do not treat it with the understanding that we want you to,” he said.
The heat wave has already caused significant disruptions and health issues. In Paterson, New Jersey, over 150 people were evaluated for heat-related illnesses during two graduations, with 16 taken to the hospital.
A stalled Amtrak train in Baltimore left passengers trapped in the heat for over an hour, with some reporting no air conditioning in several train cars. “I honestly thought I was going to collapse on the train, and I’m fairly young and in good shape,” passenger Laura Evans said.
The heat has also taken a toll on infrastructure, causing roads to buckle in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Amtrak has implemented speed restrictions due to the heat, and some flights may be affected as hot air makes takeoffs more challenging.
Tuesday is expected to be the hottest day of the week, with temperatures forecast to reach 100 degrees in New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. Washington, D.C. will endure a trio of triple-digit days, breaking multiple daily high temperature records. Burlington, Vermont, has already experienced one of its hottest June days on record, with temperatures reaching 97 degrees.
The National Weather Service has cautioned that this long-lasting heat will likely offer little to no overnight relief, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Heat remains the deadliest form of extreme weather in the US, and the frequency and longevity of extreme heat waves are on the rise due to human-caused climate change.
As the heat wave continues, residents are advised to stay hydrated, seek shade, and avoid strenuous activities. Cooling centers have been opened in several cities, and residents are encouraged to take advantage of these facilities to stay safe.