US heat wave kills dozens during 250th anniversary weekend
New York, July 7
The heat wave that gripped much of the United States over the weekend of the country's 250th anniversary celebrations killed more than two dozen people across the East Coast, Southeast and Southwest.
In New Jersey, at least 29 people are estimated to have died as a result of the heat wave, according to the state's Department of Health. The deaths were reported across 10 counties, and officials say most of the victims were found in homes without air conditioning, Xinhua news agency reported.
New Jersey Health Commissioner Raynard Washington said at a news conference on Saturday that the victims were not just elderly, but also included some younger adults.
"Extreme heat is the number one weather-related killer in America, and this is the hottest stretch we've seen in over 14 years," New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said at the same news conference.
The heat wave has affected large parts of the country, with more than 20 states recording temperatures of at least 37.8 degrees Celsius, according to the FOX Forecast Center. At least 148 daily high-temperature records were set between June 30 and Sunday, July 5.
In Chicago, four people died of causes linked to the city's recent heat wave, according to records from the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.
In Mississippi, Hinds County officials confirmed Saturday that an 83-year-old woman died of heat exposure after falling in a garden near her house.
In New York City, the multi-day heat wave sent hundreds of residents to emergency rooms over the past week.
The US capital, Washington, D.C., recorded its warmest July 4 on record, with the temperature reaching 39.4 degrees Celsius. The Great American State Fair, a national exposition held on the National Mall as part of the US 250th anniversary celebrations, was temporarily closed on Friday after emergency responders treated 44 people, including 11 who were taken to hospitals, many for heat-related illnesses and injuries, NBC News reported.
Several other events scheduled for Saturday, including an Independence Day parade in Washington, D.C., were also canceled due to the extreme heat.
Philadelphia recorded historic high temperatures of 38.3 degrees Celsius or higher for three consecutive days for the first time since records began.
Atlantic City tied its all-time highest temperature on Saturday, when the temperature reached 41.1 degrees Celsius.
— IANS
Reader Comments
29 deaths in New Jersey alone? And most were in homes without AC. This is a developed country, but it seems like the poor and elderly are still vulnerable. The US spends billions on defense but neglects basic climate adaptation. Meanwhile, in India, we have schemes like 'cool roofs' and free electricity for poor households during heat waves. 😔
As someone from the US, I appreciate seeing an Indian perspective. We're not used to these temperatures—our buildings are designed for cold weather, not heat. But the government should have been more proactive. Canceling the July 4 parade was the right call, but they should have set up more cooling stations in vulnerable neighborhoods.
Climate change is real, and it's hitting everyone—not just developing nations. 41°C in Atlantic City? That's like a normal summer day in Delhi, but for them it's historic. The West needs to take this seriously and stop dismissing climate warnings. Otherwise, these record-breaking events will become more frequent. 🌍🔥
I feel for the families who lost loved ones. But I also have to point out that the US media often focuses on extreme weather in places like India or Pakistan, calling them 'climate hotspots.' Now it's happening in their own backyard, and we need global cooperation. No country is immune. 🤝
The fact that 44 people were treated at a state fair event is alarming. These celebrations should have had better medical preparedness. In India, we've learned to stock ORS solutions and have medical tents at large gatherings during summer. Hope the US takes
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