The first significant heatwave of the summer is placing millions of people across the eastern United States and parts of Canada under severe weather alerts, prompting health warnings and creating discomfort in daily activities. Heat advisories span from the Midwest all the way to the East Coast, as well as in Canadian regions like Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. This extreme weather event is affecting over 160 million residents, raising concerns about heat-related illnesses due to elevated humidity levels.
The prolonged nature of this heatwave, with little respite during nighttime hours, is contributing to heightened health risks, especially in eastern cities where overnight temperatures could remain above 80°F (27°C). This heatwave coincides with the official onset of summer, and records are expected to be broken in several areas.
The Mid-Atlantic region is poised to experience the most severe conditions by Thursday, followed by an intense stretch into the eastern Ohio Valley on Friday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has advised the public to be vigilant for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, encouraging people to stay indoors during peak sun hours, hydrate frequently, and check on vulnerable populations, including the elderly.
While extreme heat is not uncommon during summer months in North America, this current heatwave threatens to exceed previous June temperatures. New York City, for instance, could witness highs reaching 101°F (38°C), tying the all-time record for June temperatures established in 1966. In light of the soaring electricity demand from air conditioning units, energy companies in the eastern states are urging customers to conserve power to avoid possible blackouts.
