A severe heat wave brought dangerous temperatures to more than two dozen states across the Midwest, South, and East Coast on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
The extreme conditions forced Amtrak to cancel over a dozen trains in the Northeast during peak holiday travel.
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According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat ranks as the deadliest weather hazard in the nation.
It has claimed at least 13,000 American lives since 2018.
Triple-Digit Temperatures Recorded
The heat index hit 111 degrees Fahrenheit in Washington, D. C.
, and Philadelphia.
Central Park in New York City recorded an actual temperature of 100 degrees, marking its first triple-digit day since 2012.
New York City officials activated a heat emergency plan and established hundreds of cooling centers. New York Gov.
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Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to limit their electricity usage to prevent grid overloads.
"Proactively conserve electricity if safe to do so by setting air conditioning units between 75 - 78 degrees and avoiding unnecessary appliance use," said Gov.
Hochul.
State leadership emphasized that public cooperation remains vital to safeguarding critical infrastructure and protecting vulnerable residents during the peak demand period.
"I thank New Yorkers for taking these steps to reduce their usage and helping us keep the power on and protect the most vulnerable in our community," Hochul added.
The extreme weather is forecast to shift toward the Southeast by Sunday and Monday.
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The heat index is expected to reach 107 degrees in Raleigh, North Carolina, and 105 degrees in Savannah, Georgia.
