Further south, in North Carolina, at least 41 people, including children, were reportedly hospitalised due to heat exposure.
By Afolabi Ayodele
Dozens of people have been hospitalised as a powerful heatwave grips eastern parts of North America, triggering emergency declarations and health warnings across the region.
In Paterson, New Jersey, over 150 individuals suffered heat-related illnesses during an outdoor school graduation ceremony on Monday, prompting the city’s mayor to declare a state of emergency and cancel recreational activities.
Cooling centres have since been opened for residents.
In Washington DC, six concertgoers were taken to hospital during a performance by South Korean band Stray Kids.
Further south, in North Carolina, at least 41 people, including children, were reportedly hospitalised due to heat exposure.
The US National Weather Service has issued heat warnings affecting more than 160 million people across the Midwest, East Coast, and parts of Canada including Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.
Authorities are urging people to avoid the sun during peak hours, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable individuals.
Forecasters warn that the extreme heat, combined with high humidity and minimal nighttime cooling, could pose serious health risks.
Some eastern US cities are expected to see temperatures remain above 80°F (27°C) even overnight.
Record-breaking highs are forecast throughout the week, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic and eastern Ohio Valley regions.
In New York City, temperatures may reach 101°F (38°C), matching the city’s all-time high for June set in 1966.
Energy companies have urged residents to conserve power to avoid blackouts, as widespread use of air conditioning strains electricity supplies.
Although heatwaves are a common feature of North American summers, this latest episode has arrived just days after the official start of the season and could set new records in multiple locations.
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