Extreme heat that hit the US last weekend placed the eastern half of the country under a 'heat dome' and caused 25 deaths. During the July 4-5 Independence Day holiday, temperatures exceeded 38°C in more than 20 states, and over 140 million people remained under heat warnings.
22 deaths in New Jersey
Officials reported that 22 people died from extreme heat in 10 counties in New Jersey. Officials said most of the victims were found in homes without air conditioning, on the street, or in parked vehicles. The first death was recorded on July 2, and the victims ranged in age from 30 to 80.
The New Jersey Department of Health warned, "This is not ordinary summer heat. These temperatures can quickly become deadly for people and animals of all ages." The National Weather Service announced that temperatures would drop in the coming days with cooler air arriving from the north.
Deaths in other states
One person died of heat stroke in Cook County, Illinois. Officials stated that the cause of death was cardiovascular disease, with extreme heat contributing to it.
In Hinds County, Mississippi, 74-year-old Mitchell Ray Cooley was found dead behind a gas station a day after he went missing. The medical examiner said Cooley had a condition affecting his decision-making ability and that the cause of death was heat exposure.
In the same county, on June 27, 83-year-old Martha Irene Van Egmond fell in her garden and then spent hours in the heat with her husband. Her husband Rick Van Egmond said they could not be rescued despite calls for help. Officials attributed her death to heat and advanced age.
Events canceled in the capital
Heat stroke cases occurred at Independence Day events in Washington, D.C. Local officials reported that by 8:00 p.m., 51 people had been treated for heat stroke symptoms, and 12 were hospitalized. The traditional parade in the capital was also canceled due to the extreme heat.
The Great American State Fair on the National Mall was temporarily closed on July 3 after 44 visitors were affected by the heat. Emergency crews worked intensively during Donald Trump's speech in the rain on July 4.
Heat shifts south
As of July 5, the center of the heat wave shifted from the Northeast and Midwest toward the Mid-Atlantic states and the Southeast. Scientists stressed that such extreme heat waves are a sign of the climate crisis and that greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced.
The National Weather Service urged people to drink plenty of fluids, avoid the sun, and stay in air-conditioned environments. Officials also asked them to check on relatives and neighbors.
Meanwhile, it is noted that the World Cup final to be held in East Rutherford on July 19 could also be affected by the hot weather conditions.