The United States is in the grip of a relentless and deadly heat wave that shows no sign of abating. On Sunday, the Northeast and mid-South regions are expected to be hit the hardest, with temperatures feeling as hot as a scorching 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
With over 90 million Americans facing dangerously high temperatures, various heat alerts have been issued across the country.
According to CNN, the Northeast is bracing for the hottest temperatures yet, as major metro areas like Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston are likely to feel extremely oppressive.
Major Metro Areas Face Extreme Oppression with Triple-Digit Heat Index
Unfortunately, this extreme heat has already claimed lives. In New York City, one person died from heat exposure on Saturday, with the temperature soaring to a searing 97 degrees. Other heat-related fatalities include a 73-year-old man in Allentown, Pennsylvania, who was found in a room without air conditioning, and a 66-year-old woman in Dallas, both with underlying health conditions. Additionally, a 22-year-old hiker lost his life in a South Dakota national park due to possible dehydration and exposure after running out of water.
Cities such as Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, D.C., are expecting temperatures in the upper 90s, with the humidity intensifying the heat to feel like triple digits. Local officials have declared heat emergencies, urging residents to stay hydrated, check on vulnerable communities and neighbors, and practice extreme caution when spending time outdoors.
The Northeast, in particular, is facing record-breaking heat. Boston, under a heat emergency since Tuesday, saw temperatures hit 100 degrees on Sunday afternoon, the highest for that calendar day in 89 years. Cooling centers, splash pads, indoor pools, and public library locations have been opened to provide relief from the blistering heat.
Read Also : More Pain for Parents as Heat Waves and High Energy Costs Hit Communities in the United States
Low-Income Communities Hit Hard: Access to Cooling Facilities Remains a Concern
Despite efforts to cope with the heat, power outages have occurred in various cities. In the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, around 7,500 customers were affected, while scattered outages were reported in New York City and Greensburg, Pennsylvania. According to NBC, local power companies are working to restore electricity while preparing for potential storms later in the day.
Climate change experts emphasize that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent globally. In the United States, excessive heat is now the main factor in weather-related fatalities, outpacing hurricane-related deaths by a ratio of more than 15 to 1. The combination of high humidity and limited access to air conditioning makes it harder for people to cool down, further exacerbating the dangers of heat waves.
Arizona's Maricopa County and New York City have seen a rise in heat-related deaths, particularly among low-income communities with limited access to cooling facilities. Lack of home air conditioning continues to be a significant risk factor for heat stress-related deaths in urban areas.
As the deadly heat wave persists, authorities are urging people to stay vigilant, seek relief at cooling centers, and look out for one another, especially the elderly and vulnerable populations. The dire situation serves as a reminder of the urgent need for climate action and better preparedness to protect communities from the escalating impact of extreme weather events.
Related Article : India Grapples with Fatal Heat Wave, Nearly 100 Lives Lost to Sweltering Conditions
