At least 25 people die in US as record heatwave scorches swaths of country

A severe heatwave, driven by a heat dome over the eastern United States, has resulted in at least 25 deaths across multiple states. Over 20 states have recorded temperatures exceeding 100°F, impacting millions of people during the recent holiday weekend. New Jersey officials believe the extreme heat was a factor in 22 deaths, with many victims found in homes without air conditioning or outdoors. Heat-related deaths were also reported in Illinois and Mississippi, with contributing factors including heat stress and pre-existing medical conditions. Emergency services in Washington D.C. treated numerous individuals for heat-related issues, leading to event cancellations. Scientists emphasize that such extreme heatwaves are linked to the climate crisis, and the National Weather Service advises the public to take precautions against heat sickness.

Scorching temperatures are suspected to have caused at least 19 deaths in New Jersey, with most occurring in homes lacking air conditioning. This heatwave, described as the hottest in over 14 years, saw record-breaking temperatures in New York and New Jersey. As the heat dome recedes, severe storms have swept across the central and eastern United States, causing widespread power outages affecting nearly one million customers. States like Michigan and Pennsylvania have reported significant numbers of customers without electricity due to downed power lines caused by high winds and fallen trees. The storms are expected to continue eastward, bringing potential flash flooding to areas including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.