Record Heat Wave Threatens Central and Northeast US Ahead of
Juneteenth Celebrations
A high-pressure weather system is set to bring
record-breaking temperatures to central and eastern parts of the United States
this week, according to National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters. The
forecast threatens a large portion of the country with multi-day excessive
heat.
Currently, around 80 million people are under heat
advisories or warnings. Meteorologist Andrew Orrison from the NWS reports that
temperatures are expected to surpass 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 degrees
Celsius) and could approach 100 degrees in some regions, which is 20 degrees
above the seasonal average.
This intense heat wave coincides with preparations for
Wednesday's Juneteenth holiday, which marks the end of slavery in the U.S. in
1865. Although it became a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has long been
celebrated, particularly by Black Americans in Texas, with outdoor activities
like barbecues.
Officials are urging people to stay hydrated, limit
strenuous outdoor activities, and wear lightweight clothing. The heat index,
which accounts for humidity, could make temperatures feel even hotter,
potentially reaching triple digits in parts of Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and New
England.
In New York City, emergency management and health
departments have issued a joint statement announcing the opening of cooling
centers starting Tuesday. They warned that high heat is a "silent
killer," particularly affecting older adults, young children, individuals
with chronic conditions, and pregnant women. Chicago has also announced the opening
of cooling centers.
The NWS cautions against leaving children and pets
unattended in cars, as vehicle interiors can quickly become dangerously hot,
risking heatstroke. Elevated temperatures are expected to persist until the
weekend.
