A severe heatwave driven by the climate crisis has claimed at least two dozen lives across the United States.
Extreme temperatures broke records over the holiday weekend.
A massive heat dome settled over the eastern half of the country.
More than 20 states recorded temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C), leaving over 140 million people under active heat alerts on Sunday.
New Jersey Reports Most Fatalities
Public health officials in New Jersey reported that extreme heat contributed to 22 deaths across 10 counties.
Victims were found in homes without air conditioning, outdoors, or in parked vehicles.
The fatalities began on Thursday, with victims ranging from their mid-30s to 80s. The state medical examiner will determine official causes.
“This is not a typical summer heatwave,” the New Jersey Department of Public Health said.
“This type of heat can quickly become life-threatening to humans and to animals of all ages.”
Forecasters said a northern cool air mass would soon moderate temperatures.
The weather disruptions coincide with preparations for the FIFA World Cup final in East Rutherford on July 19.
Other States Report Heat-Related Deaths
In Cook County, Illinois, a victim with organic cardiovascular disease died from heat stress, according to spokesperson Natalia Derevyanny.
In Mississippi, 74-year-old Mitchell Ray Cooley died from heat exposure after going missing near a gas station.
“Mr. Cooley suffered from a medical condition that impaired his judgment,” the coroner’s office said. The cause of death was weather-related heat exposure, with no foul play suspected.
In Bolton, Mississippi, 83-year-old Martha Irene Van Egmond died after falling in her garden on June 27.
Her husband Rick also fell while trying to help her, leaving them stranded for hours.
Disruptions in Washington DC
Blistering conditions caused widespread disruptions in Washington DC. Emergency personnel treated 51 people for heat-related complications on Saturday evening, transporting 12 to hospitals.
The extreme weather forced cancellation of the Independence Day parade and temporarily closed the Great American State Fair on the National Mall after 44 visitors needed medical treatment.
The heat dome began shifting southward into the mid-Atlantic and southeastern regions on Sunday.
The National Weather Service advises staying hydrated, remaining indoors with air conditioning, and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
