At least 25 people have died amid a perilous climate crisis-driven heatwave that has scorched swaths of the US with record temperatures, as a massive heat dome settled over the eastern half of the country during the 4 July holiday weekend.
Extreme heat grips over 20 states
More than 20 states experienced stifling temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C), marring celebrations for the nation's semiquincentennial. Over 140 million people remained under active heat alerts across the US on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
New Jersey reports 22 heat-related deaths
Officials in New Jersey believe extreme heat was a factor in the deaths of 22 people across 10 counties, mostly in central and northern parts of the state. Many victims were found in homes without air conditioning, outside their residences, on the street, or in parked cars. The first death occurred on Thursday, with victims ranging from their mid-30s to their 80s. Preliminary findings suggest heat-related causes, though the chief state medical examiner will determine exact causes.
"This is not a typical summer heatwave," the New Jersey Department of Public Health said in a statement. "This type of heat can quickly become life-threatening to humans and to animals of all ages."
Cooler air expected, but World Cup final looms
The NWS has said cool air from the north will lower some extreme temperatures in the region, including New Jersey, in the coming days. The FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for 19 July in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Deaths reported in Illinois and Mississippi
In Cook County, Illinois, a heat-related death was reported, with the cause recorded as organic cardiovascular disease and heat stress as a contributing factor, according to government spokesperson Natalia Derevyanny. In Hinds County, Mississippi, 74-year-old Mitchell Ray Cooley died from heat exposure on Thursday. His body was found behind a gas station the next day. "Mr. Cooley suffered from a medical condition that impaired his judgment," the coroner's office said. "Based on investigative findings, the cause of death has been determined to be weather-related heat exposure. There is no indication of foul play."
On 27 June, Martha Irene Van Egmond, 83, died in Bolton, Mississippi, after falling in her garden. Her husband Rick also fell, and they spent hours in the heat before help arrived. Rick told local news outlet WAPT that she died doing what she loved, surrounded by flowers. Chief death investigator Jeramiah Howard attributed her death to heat and age.
Washington DC events disrupted
As Donald Trump spoke during rain-dampened celebrations in Washington DC on Saturday, emergency services treated 51 people for heat-related issues by 8pm ET, with 12 hospitalized. The Independence Day parade was canceled, and Trump's Great American State Fair temporarily closed on Friday after 44 visitors were treated for heat illnesses.
Heatwave shifting south, but climate concerns remain
The worst heat began moving out of the northeast and midwest by Sunday, shifting south into the mid-Atlantic and southeastern states. Scientists warn that such extreme heatwaves indicate the need to reduce greenhouse gas pollution driving the global climate crisis. The NWS urges the public to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors.
