Heat wave kills 25 as US Independence Day celebrations disrupted
The National Weather Service warned that extreme heat and severe thunderstorms disrupted Independence Day celebrations across the United States on Saturday, with officials confirming that the death toll from the persistent heat wave has risen to 25 and nearly 156 million people remained under heat alerts.
Heat dome claims 25 lives
Officials confirmed on Saturday that the death toll from a severe heat wave gripping the eastern United States has climbed to 25, with nearly 156 million people across the eastern two-thirds of the country remaining under heat alerts issued by the National Weather Service. A high-pressure heat dome pushed temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) in several locations including Washington, DC, Norfolk, Virginia, and Raleigh, North Carolina, according to Anadolu Agency.
National Mall festivities halted
In Washington, DC, emergency workers and members of the National Guard treated attendees for heat-related illnesses during the Salute to America 250 celebrations on the National Mall, which marked the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding. Festivities at the site were temporarily halted after the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency urged attendees to seek shelter as a severe thunderstorm moved through the area.
Severe thunderstorm warnings
More than 72 million people were under severe thunderstorm watches on Saturday, with forecasters warning of wind gusts exceeding 105 kph (65 mph) and hail up to the size of quarters. Damaging winds were reported in parts of Nebraska and Iowa, while the National Weather Service noted that cooler air moving south from Canada is expected to push the heat dome south and west in the coming days, easing extreme temperatures in the Northeast although dangerous overnight heat and high humidity are expected to persist.
New Jersey death toll rises
In New Jersey, the number of suspected heat-related deaths increased from 19 to 22, according to the state Health Department, with most victims ranging from their 30s to 80s and fatalities reported across 10 counties primarily in central and northern parts of the state. State Health Commissioner Raynard Washington said many of the victims were found inside homes without air conditioning, while others were discovered outdoors or inside parked vehicles, adding that state authorities were sending cooling equipment and generators to healthcare facilities experiencing strain and, in some cases, evacuating patients where necessary.
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