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.
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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.
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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.
