Unexpected heatwave in America. Dozens hospitalized

Temperatures in the eastern United States have broken historical records over the past two days. Meteorologists predict that this week the heatwave in America may affect up to 200 million residents. The media report cases of fainting and hospitalizations, and in some cities, public events are being canceled over concerns for participants’ health.

Record-breaking hot end of June in the US

Warm weather in June should come as no surprise. However, CBS News reports that the temperatures recorded on Monday and Tuesday in the eastern part of the country are the highest in at least a dozen years. In Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and Baltimore, temperatures reached nearly 100°F (about 38°C) yesterday. Due to high humidity, the heat index felt even hotter – exceeding 108°F (42°C) in some places.

Analysts from the National Weather Service (NWS) explain that the current heatwave in America is the result of a ridge of extremely high pressure located between Baltimore and Washington. Barometers recorded the third-highest pressure reading in history. As a result, a so-called “heat dome” developed over the northeastern United States – a mass of hot, humid air trapped in the upper layers of the atmosphere.

Serious health threat

The June heatwave in America is taking a toll on the healthcare system. In the northern part of the country, dozens of people have been hospitalized, including 41 adults and children in North Carolina. In Washington, six participants of an outdoor concert were transported to the hospital.

On Monday, during two school graduation ceremonies in Paterson, New Jersey, over 150 people fainted, and 16 were hospitalized. The city’s mayor has banned recreational outdoor events and ordered the opening of cooling centers for the public.

On Tuesday morning, two firefighters from Norfolk, Massachusetts were hospitalized due to heat exhaustion, and the day before, emergency services evacuated two teenagers from Gap Mountain in Jaffrey, New Hampshire after they lost consciousness from the combined effect of heat and humidity.

High temperatures are also impacting transportation systems. In Wisconsin, sections of key roads were closed after more than 50 buckles appeared. Similar incidents occurred in Missouri, where authorities warned about cracking asphalt. In Washington, subway tracks reached a temperature of 135°F (57°C), prompting train operators to reduce speeds. In Massachusetts, the New Bedford-Fairhaven swing bridge was closed due to concerns about high temperatures affecting its operation.

The main energy distributor in New York has called on residents to use electrical appliances, including air conditioners, responsibly to avoid overloading the power grid. Elderly and chronically ill individuals have been advised to visit cooling centers.

The heatwave in America will not subside

Meteorologists at the NWS warn that over 160 million people are already in the extreme heat zone, and this number could rise to 200 million by the end of the week. According to CBS News, this is one of the most widespread weather alerts in US history in terms of population. The heat dome is expected to slowly move southward over the next few days, reaching the Mid-Atlantic states and then New England before the weekend.

Unfortunately, experts at the Climate Prediction Center forecast that this is just the beginning of a record-breaking hot summer. The worst of the heat is expected to hit Texas and could last until August. Intense droughts are predicted in the West, Midwest, and the Plains, while the eastern and southeastern US may experience above-average rainfall due to a highly active hurricane season.