About 65 million people across the northeastern and midwest states of the US are under heat alerts as an early-season heatwave continues to grip the region. Record-breaking temperatures, with heat indexes reaching 100F to 110F, have been reported in Maine, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. The National Weather Service has issued warnings that those without reliable air conditioning are at the highest risk.
The Ohio River valley is experiencing extreme heat, labeled at risk level 4, with temperatures providing little to no relief overnight. The agency advises staying hydrated, avoiding sun exposure, and checking on vulnerable individuals.
The intense heat is due to a high-pressure heat dome that originated over Mexico and the southwestern US in March and has since moved northward, shattering temperature records along its path. The World Weather Attribution group released a report attributing the increased likelihood and intensity of this heatwave to climate change, noting the southern heatwave in late May was 35 times more likely due to global warming.
In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster in 51 counties following Tropical Storm Alberto, while New Mexico sought federal assistance after wildfires forced evacuations in the southern part of the state.
Despite the heatwave, cooler air with less humidity is forecasted to move into the northern plains and upper midwest over the weekend, with relief reaching the northeast shortly after. However, mid-Atlantic states are expected to see temperatures rise into the 100s, potentially breaking more records.
The heatwave has also impacted infrastructure. In New York, a power outage and brush fire in New Jersey’s Secaucus marshland stranded hundreds of commuters on trains out of Penn Station. Amtrak has announced that trains will operate at reduced speeds due to the extreme heat.
As temperatures continue to soar, authorities emphasize the importance of staying cool and hydrated and looking out for vulnerable community members.
Green Time Editorial Body