The record heat that baked the West Coast for much of last week is arriving on the East Coast early this week and health departments are already preparing for heat-related emergencies.
More than 100 million people in 33 states were under heat alerts Monday morning.
In Philadelphia, where the heat index — what the temperature feels like with humidity — is forecast to reach 104 degrees on Monday, the city health department has issued a heat health emergency.
“We’ll have over 150 cooling centers open for our residents who need them,” Mayor Cherelle Parker said in a statement. “Please call 311 to find a cooling center near you. Check on your older neighbors. Make sure they’re safe. If we care for one another, we’ll get through this heat wave together.”
In addition to Philadelphia, major cities such as Washington, D.C., and Baltimore are under an excessive heat warning — the highest such alert for heat — on Monday.
New York City and Boston are under a heat advisory through Tuesday.
The heat index will cross 100 across much of the eastern half of the country.
ABC News
Record daily highs are possible in several cities Monday, including Raleigh, North Carolina (projected 101, record 99); Washington, D.C. (projected 100, record 100); Baltimore (projected 101, record 102); Reading, Pennsylvania (projected 100, record 100); Worcester, Massachusetts (projected 91, record 92); and Manchester, New Hampshire (projected 96, record 96).
Excessive heat warnings and advisories are in place across the Northeast on Monday, July 15, 2024.
ABC News
The record heat will concentrate on the East Coast on Tuesday and could last into Wednesday.
Finally, a cold front will bring an end to the record heat in the East by Wednesday night into Thursday.
The heat in the East will finally come to an end later in the week.
ABC News
The East Coast of the United States is bracing for a potentially record-breaking heat wave, with meteorologists predicting scorching temperatures in the coming days. The latest forecast indicates that a high-pressure system will settle over the region, bringing intense heat and humidity that could make it feel like over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas.
This heat wave is expected to affect a large portion of the East Coast, from Maine down to Florida, with major cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. likely to experience some of the hottest temperatures. The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories and warnings for several states, urging residents to take precautions to stay safe and cool during the extreme weather.
Experts are warning that this heat wave could pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke are a real concern during prolonged periods of high temperatures, so it is important for people to stay hydrated, seek shade, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.
In addition to the health risks, this heat wave could also put a strain on infrastructure and utilities. Increased demand for air conditioning could lead to power outages, while transportation systems may be impacted by heat-related delays and disruptions. Residents are advised to check on their neighbors, particularly those who may be more susceptible to the effects of extreme heat, and to stay informed about any emergency alerts or advisories issued by local authorities.
As climate change continues to drive more frequent and intense heat waves, it is crucial for communities to be prepared and resilient in the face of extreme weather events. Taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change can help prevent future heat waves from reaching record-breaking levels. In the meantime, staying informed, staying cool, and staying safe are key priorities for residents of the East Coast as they weather this latest forecasted heat wave.
