Record-Breaking Temperatures Near 40 Degrees Celsius in the East
Surge in Heat-Related Illnesses and Fatalities
The "Heat Dome" formed over the eastern United States is heating the ground surface, causing an early June heatwave across many of the nation's most densely populated eastern metropolitan areas. New York recorded its highest June temperature in 137 years, prompting authorities to issue a heat advisory. On June 23 (local time), the New York Times (NYT) reported that the temperature in Manhattan's Central Park reached 35.56 degrees Celsius during the day. This matches the record high set on June 23, 1888. The heat is expected to continue the following day, and the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast that the high in Central Park on June 24 would reach 37.2 degrees Celsius.
The "Heat Dome" formed over the eastern United States is heating the ground surface, causing an early June heatwave in many densely populated eastern metropolitan areas of the United States. Photo by UPI and Yonhap News
In some parts of downtown New York, the temperature is expected to climb as high as 38.89 degrees Celsius. In certain areas, the heat index could reach 43.3 degrees Celsius. New York City Mayor Eric Adams warned, "This heat is not just uncomfortable or difficult to endure." He added that approximately 500 people die from heatwaves in New York each year, stating, "If we do not take this seriously, it could be fatal."
The NWS issued excessive heat warnings and advisories for about one-third of the eastern United States, including New York, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Boston. The agency noted, "Approximately 160 million residents are exposed to the heatwave," and cautioned, "Such prolonged, high-risk heatwaves that do not cool off at night are extremely rare, and anyone can be affected."
Not only New York but also other major eastern coastal cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. continued to experience heatwaves with temperatures nearing or exceeding 40 degrees Celsius on that day. The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings and advisories for about one-third of the eastern U.S. coastline, including these metropolitan areas. Additionally, excessive heat warnings have been issued for parts of the Midwest, including northern Indiana and northwestern Ohio. The population affected by the heat warnings is estimated at around 160 million people.
Not only in New York, but other East Coast regions with major cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC also experienced a heatwave with temperatures approaching or exceeding 40 degrees Celsius on that day. AP·Yonhap News
As the record-breaking heatwave continues, cases of heat-related illness and even fatalities are being reported. Near the Midwestern city of St. Louis, local police stated that a 55-year-old woman was found dead in her home after spending more than three days without water or air conditioning, as daytime highs exceeded 38 degrees Celsius. In Paterson, New Jersey, where the heat index soared to 41.7 degrees Celsius the previous day, local fire authorities reported that 16 people collapsed and were taken to the emergency room during outdoor graduation ceremonies at two high schools, and more than 150 people received treatment for heat-related illnesses. The National Weather Service expects the region to gradually move out of the record heatwave starting June 25, with temperatures returning to normal June averages by June 27.
Meteorologists have identified the cause of this heatwave as the "Heat Dome" phenomenon, in which high pressure traps air and causes temperatures to rise continuously. Temperatures have been climbing day after day, and the heat is accumulating as nighttime temperatures fail to drop. Experts warn that such extreme heatwaves are clear evidence of global warming and caution that they may occur more frequently and last longer in the future.
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