Key points
- Temperatures likely to climb to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) in New York
- Authorities urge people to stay hydrated
- Seek help at designated cooling centres
ISLAMABAD: A heat wave enveloped the eastern third of the United States on Monday, impacting nearly 160 million people, with temperatures likely to climb to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) in the New York metropolitan area, according to AFP.
AFP reported that the country’s first significant scorching heat of the year arrived over the weekend and peaks Monday and Tuesday in Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City.
“This extreme heat will not just be uncomfortable and oppressive for New Yorkers,” AFP cited Mayor Eric Adams as saying.
“It’s going to be brutal and dangerous if you do not treat it with the understanding that we want you to,” he said.
Heat records
As sweltering heat enveloped the city, authorities urged seniors, people with health problems, and those without air conditioning to stay hydrated and seek help at designated cooling centers such as libraries and recreation facilities, according to AFP.
Heat records tumbled across parts of the US Northeast, including in Central Park, known as the lungs of Manhattan, where Monday’s temperature of 96 degrees broke a record that had stood since 1888, AFP cited National Weather Service as saying.
“This level of HeatRisk is known for being rare and/or long duration with little to no overnight relief, and affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration,” National Weather Service warned.
Weather pattern
Meteorologists are describing the intensifying weather pattern as a heat dome, a high-pressure system that traps air and leads to steadily rising thermal readings, according to AFP.
In Washington, the heat index — what the temperature feels like with humidity factored in — was forecast to soar to as high as 110 F on Monday, and the mayor’s office urged residents to take advantage of cooling centers, according to AFP.
The temperature in New York City tied its daily record of 96 degrees Monday afternoon – the hottest day the city has had since August 2022, CNN reported. The last time New York City hit 100 was on July 18, 2012.
AFP reported that fueled by human-caused climate change, 2024 was the warmest year on record globally — and 2025 is projected to rank among the top three.
