Life-threatening temperatures are enveloping the East Coast, with 29 states from Maine to Texas under heat alerts.
Tuesday could be the hottest day of the year for parts of the East Coast and Interstate 95 corridor.
Actual temperatures may climb to the triple digits in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Virginia and North Carolina.
The heat index — what temperature it feels like — is forecast to skyrocket to 98 degrees in New York City; 97 degrees in Boston; a scorching 108 degrees in Washington, D.C., and Charleston, South Carolina; 103 in Orlando, Florida; and 105 in Houston.
New York City is under a heat advisory while Philadelphia officials have issued a heat health emergency.
The heat and humidity will last until Wednesday for the I-95 corridor. A cold front will bring relief by the end of the week.
Doctors recommend taking excessive heat warnings seriously. There are hundreds of deaths each year in the U.S. due to excessive heat, according to CDC WONDER, an online database, and scientists caution that the actual number of heat-related deaths is likely higher.
Heat is the country’s top cause of weather-related deaths, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Click here for what to know about staying safe in the heat.
A tourist catches her breath after climbing the steps at the Lincoln Memorial during a heatwave on July 15, 2024 in Washington, DC.
Nathan Howard/Getty Images
The East Coast of the United States has been experiencing record-breaking heat in recent years, with dangerous temperatures lingering for longer periods of time. This trend is concerning as prolonged exposure to extreme heat can have serious health consequences, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even death.
According to a report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the duration of dangerous temperatures on the East Coast has been increasing over the past few decades. In some areas, the number of days with temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit has doubled or even tripled compared to historical averages.
One of the main factors contributing to the prolonged heatwaves on the East Coast is climate change. As global temperatures continue to rise, extreme weather events, including heatwaves, are becoming more frequent and intense. This is due to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, which trap heat in the atmosphere and lead to higher temperatures.
In addition to climate change, urbanization and land use changes are also playing a role in the duration of dangerous temperatures on the East Coast. The expansion of cities and suburbs can create “heat islands,” where concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat, making urban areas significantly hotter than surrounding rural areas. This phenomenon can exacerbate the effects of heatwaves and prolong their duration.
The impacts of prolonged exposure to dangerous temperatures are not limited to physical health. Heatwaves can also have economic consequences, as they can lead to increased energy consumption for air conditioning, decreased productivity in outdoor industries, and strain on infrastructure such as power grids and transportation systems.
To address the challenges posed by prolonged heatwaves on the East Coast, it is essential for communities to take proactive measures to adapt to and mitigate the effects of extreme heat. This includes implementing heat action plans, increasing access to cooling centers for vulnerable populations, improving building design to reduce heat absorption, and planting more trees and green spaces to provide shade and cool the environment.
In conclusion, the duration of dangerous temperatures on the East Coast amid record heat is a growing concern that requires urgent action. By addressing the root causes of heatwaves, implementing adaptation strategies, and prioritizing the health and well-being of all residents, we can work towards building more resilient communities that are better equipped to withstand the impacts of extreme heat in the future.
