Extreme Heat Wave Hits Eastern US, Breaking Records in New York City
New York City recorded its first 100-degree day since 2013 amid a severe heat wave affecting over 150 million people across the eastern US.
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Overview
- New York City's JFK Airport recorded 100°F, marking the first occurrence since 2013.
- An extreme heat wave has affected over 150 million people in the eastern US.
- The heat dome has led to record-breaking temperatures, with 39 new heat records set in NYC.
- Amtrak has reported delays on routes through major cities due to heat-related speed restrictions.
- The heat wave has prompted widespread heat warnings across the eastern United States.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources emphasize the severity of the heat wave, highlighting its unprecedented nature and widespread impact. They frame the situation as alarming, reflecting concern for public safety and infrastructure. The language suggests urgency, implicitly critiquing preparedness and response measures while underscoring the broader implications of climate change.
Articles (8)
Center (3)
"…The heat and humidity during the day was compounded by humid nights where the temperatures don’t drop much and the human body and the electric bill don’t get a break to recover from the worst of the day."
Associated Press·7d·"…The brutal late-June heat wave that's scorching tens of millions of people stretches from the Midwest to the Northeast and is causing sweltering folks to wonder when it will finally end."
USA TODAY·7d·"…Exercising or playing sports in extreme heat can be extremely dangerous."
ABC News·7d·FAQ
The extreme heat wave was caused by a heat dome—a high-pressure system trapping hot air from the Southwest over the eastern U.S.—which, combined with a humid atmosphere, led to record-breaking temperatures across the region.
The heat wave affected over 150 million people across the eastern U.S., with nearly half of the country experiencing significant temperature departures from normal, and involving numerous cities setting new heat records.
The heat wave caused delays on Amtrak routes through major cities like Washington, Philadelphia, and New York due to speed restrictions implemented to manage the impact of high temperatures on rail infrastructure.
The heat wave is especially threatening because it occurred early in the summer before people in these cities had acclimatized to high temperatures, combined with the dangerous factor of high nighttime humidity preventing cooling.
Yes, for example, two 16-year-old hikers in Jaffrey, New Hampshire were rescued after being overcome by the heat, described as in and out of consciousness and subsequently hospitalized.
History
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