Nearly 170 million Americans living across the central and eastern U.S. this week will be forced to endure dangerous heat as city officials declare emergencies and schools announce early closures.
In upstate New York, heat index values were expected to reach more than 100 degrees on Monday and Tuesday. It is the last week of school for districts there, and many districts have switched to half-day schedules.
“These changes in schedule were made to ensure the health and safety of both students and staff and to minimize the potential for heat-related illnesses,” Central School District Superintendent Dr. Marie Wiles said in a statement.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency across 32 Empire State counties in response to the rising temperatures. Down the East Coast, Philadelphia health officials declared a heat health emergency, urging people to look out for each other.
“Bright sun and humid conditions will cause AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures to peak above 100 degrees for millions,” warned AccuWeather meteorologist Jacob Hinson.
Air quality concern for much of the eastern U.S. Air quality was shown to be a moderate level across dozens of states, according to IQAir.
An advisory was issued for ozone in New York. Ozone was also a concern in Philadelphia.
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Children in Louisville, Kentucky, play in a park’s water feature. Heat index values there were forecast to exceed 100 degrees (AP)
People protest in Louisville, Kentucky, as a worker hands out water. Staying hydrated is critical to staying safe in hot weather (AP)
A tourist in New York City poses on Monday near hot steam on one of the hottest days of the year thus far. New York was under a state of emergency (AFP via Getty Images)
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Some 170 million Americans to feel dangerous heat through mid-week
Kentucky and other central states will continue to feel temperatures in the mid-to-high 90s this week. In the East, it will get even hotter (AP)Tens of millions of Americans are forecast to feel the effects of dangerous heat through mid-week.
Many cities already saw triple-digit temperatures over the weekend.
Major cities, which already run hotter than the suburbs, could see such conditions for several days. There won’t be much relief overnight, forecasters warned.
Much of the central U.S. will feel highs in well into the mid-90s as a heat dome envelops much of America’s east.
“Vulnerable people, such as the elderly or young children, are most susceptible to heat-related illness,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Jacob Hinson. “Caution should be taken if spending any appreciable amount of time outside, such as by staying hydrated with non-alcoholic beverages, taking frequent breaks and seeking shade.”
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