Heat alerts are in effect on Thursday for more than 70 million Americans in 16 states, stretching from Kentucky to Maine.
Maine on Wednesday saw blistering heat, including an all-time heat index record in Caribou, Maine. The city’s temperatures reached 96 degrees, with a heat index of 103.
A vendor sells ices as people try to stay cool on June 19, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Other cities who hit record highs on Wednesday, including Boston, Massachusetts, at 98; Manchester, New Hampshire, at 98; and Hartford, Connecticut, at 97.
New York’s Albany and Poughkeepsie both tied their previous record highs at 94 on Wednesday. Redding, Pennsylvania, also tied its record at 95 degrees.
Mathew Calderon, 4, walks through a fountain at Georgetown Waterfront Park amid a heat wave in Washington, U.S., June 19, 2024.
Craig Hudson/Reuters
More records were expected to be broken or tied across the Northeast and parts of the Ohio Valley on Thursday. Manchester, New Hampshire, is expected to hit 98; Hartford, Connecticut, will touch 97; Scranton, Pennsylvania, will hit 95; and Buffalo, New York, is expected to hit 91.
The heat dome is expected to move south and west,bringing record heat to Chicago, Illinois; Nashville, Tennessee; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
As temperatures continue to soar across the United States, a sweltering heat wave has prompted heat alerts in 16 states, raising concerns about the health and safety of residents. The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories and warnings for parts of the Midwest, Northeast, and South, urging people to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
The heat wave, which has been attributed to a high-pressure system that is trapping hot air over much of the country, is expected to persist for several more days. In some areas, temperatures have climbed well into the triple digits, making it difficult for people to stay cool and comfortable.
In response to the extreme heat, many cities and states have opened cooling centers and extended hours at public pools to provide relief for those without access to air conditioning. Officials are also reminding residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, and check on vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be serious and even life-threatening if not treated promptly. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. It is important for people to recognize these signs and seek medical attention if they or someone they know is experiencing them.
In addition to the immediate health risks posed by the heat wave, there are also concerns about the long-term impacts of climate change on extreme weather events. Scientists have warned that rising global temperatures are likely to lead to more frequent and intense heat waves in the future, putting even greater strain on communities and infrastructure.
As we continue to grapple with the effects of climate change, it is crucial that we take steps to mitigate its impact and protect ourselves from extreme weather events. This includes investing in resilient infrastructure, promoting energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In the meantime, it is important for individuals to stay informed about heat alerts in their area and take necessary precautions to stay safe during periods of extreme heat. By staying hydrated, staying cool, and looking out for one another, we can weather this heat wave and future challenges brought on by climate change.
