Tens of millions of Americans were hit with a double whammy of rising temperatures and high humidity on Friday, as a sweltering heat wave settled over the Midwest and East Coast and is expected to continue early next week.
And the US National Weather Service said that more than 175 million people in the United States were covered by severe heat warnings and advisories warning them of heat until at least Saturday afternoon, as midday heat index readings rose in many locations above 38 degrees Celsius.
Some of the country’s largest cities, including Chicago, New York and Philadelphia, have opened cooling centers in public libraries and community centers for those who have no way to escape the soaring temperatures.
The city of Boston declared a state of emergency due to the high temperatures, and a statement on its website said that “extreme heat can be dangerous to health, and may even be fatal.” The statement added that teams affiliated with the city will provide water on the roads.
Officials and meteorologists in the United States urge citizens not to be exposed to heat because it may cause illness, especially for those who work or participate in activities that take place in outdoor places, those who are 65 years of age or older, children and those who suffer from chronic diseases.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, get out of the sun, and check on relatives and neighbours,” the National Weather Service said.
And in Philadelphia, where temperatures can reach 42 degrees Celsius, officials extended the opening hours of public swimming pools and other sprinkler facilities and services to hours on Friday and Saturday.
And in New York City, where the temperature is expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius, officials posted a video clip on social media urging pet owners to make sure their bodies are hydrated, according to Reuters.
Grid operators across the country announced hot weather advisories this week and asked power companies to postpone non-essential maintenance.
Despite the sweltering heat, none of the US network operators took drastic measures.
Experts say the frequency of extreme weather is a symptom of global climate change, with heatwaves expected to continue in most parts of the world until August.
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2023-07-28 21:57:25
