Tens of millions of Americans were hit with a dangerous heat wave on the East Coast, which was predicted to last into the weekend.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued excessive heat warnings and advisories for more than 175 million people in the United States until at least Saturday afternoon, as midday heat index values in several areas went far beyond 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).
Some of the country’s largest cities, including Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia, have established cooling centres in public libraries and community centres for individuals who are unable to escape the hotness.
“Extreme hotness can be dangerous to health and even fatal,” Boston wrote on its website after declaring a heat emergency, adding that its street outreach teams will provide water along their routes.
City authorities and forecasters in the United States are warning residents to avoid the hot weather, which has the potential to induce heat-related diseases, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities, those 65 and older, youngsters, and those with chronic conditions.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbours,” the NWS said.
In Philadelphia, where the heat index might reach 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius), officials extended the hours of public pools and spray fields on Friday and Saturday.
In New York City, where the heat index was expected to hit 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius), officials shared a public service announcement video on social media, asking pet owners to keep their dogs hydrated.
“It’s quite hot outside. This level of heat can be harmful. “We have to be very strategic in how we combat this,” New York City Deputy Mayor Philip Banks said at a public safety meeting on Friday, advising locals to check on neighbours and loved ones.
This week, electric grid operators across the country issued hot weather advisories and advised energy businesses to postpone unneeded maintenance. Despite the severe heat, no US grid operator has taken more drastic measures.
Experts in the area argue that the increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather is symptomatic of global, human-caused climate change that is driving extremes, with heat waves likely to last into August in parts of the world.
The warmest June on record in the United States, dating back to 1850, happened last month. According to the meteorological service, it was also the 47th consecutive June and the 532nd consecutive month with temperatures above the 20th-century average.
The scorching weather throughout much of the United States is likely to fade by late Saturday, leaving possibilities of thunderstorms and warm temperatures into next week, according to the weather service.
Tens of millions of Americans were hit with a one-two punch of dangerously high temperatures on the East Coast, which were predicted to last into the weekend.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued excessive heat warnings and advisories for more than 175 million people in the United States until at least Saturday afternoon, as midday heat index values in several areas went far beyond 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).
Some of the country’s largest cities, including Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia, have established cooling centres in public libraries and community centres for individuals who are unable to escape the heat.
“Extreme heat can be dangerous to health and even fatal,” Boston wrote on its website after declaring a heat emergency, adding that its street outreach teams will provide water along their routes.
City authorities and forecasters in the United States are warning residents to avoid the hot weather, which has the potential to induce heat-related diseases, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities, those 65 and older, youngsters, and those with chronic conditions.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbours,” the NWS said.
In Philadelphia, where the heat index might reach 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius), officials extended the hours of public pools and spray fields on Friday and Saturday.
In New York City, where the heat index was expected to hit 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius), officials shared a public service announcement video on social media, asking pet owners to keep their dogs hydrated.
“It’s quite hot outside. This level of heat can be harmful. “We have to be very strategic in how we combat this,” New York City Deputy Mayor Philip Banks said at a public safety meeting on Friday, advising locals to check on neighbours and loved ones.
This week, electric grid operators across the country issued hot weather advisories and advised energy businesses to postpone unneeded maintenance. Despite the severe heat, no US grid operator has taken more drastic measures.
Experts in the area argue that the increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather is symptomatic of global, human-caused climate change that is driving extremes, with heat waves likely to last into August in parts of the world.
The warmest June on record in the United States, dating back to 1850, happened last month. According to the meteorological service, it was also the 47th consecutive June and the 532nd consecutive month with temperatures above the 20th-century average.
The scorching weather throughout much of the United States is likely to fade by late Saturday, leaving the possibility of thunderstorms and warm temperatures into next week, according to the weather service.
