Severe Heat Wave Sweeps Across Eastern America

SadaNews - A severe heat wave striking the eastern United States reached its peak on Friday and Saturday, placing immense pressure on power grids, complicating preparations for World Cup matches, and casting a shadow over the country’s celebrations of the 250th anniversary of its independence.

With heat index readings expected to exceed 46 degrees Celsius, New York City is bracing for unprecedented temperature levels, as the warning of extreme heat expands to the northeastern regions and the central Atlantic coast.

Due to the high humidity, the perceived temperature could rise to 41 degrees Celsius in Boston, 44 in Philadelphia, and 45 in Washington.

The National Weather Service stated: "Record temperatures are expected today and on Independence Day, with the likelihood of consecutive record-breaking figures over several days, along with monthly and potentially historical records," as reported by the Agence France-Presse.

In New York, the largest city in the United States by population, Mayor Zahran Mamadani urged residents to "stay calm and vigilant, and check on their neighbors."

The city has turned hundreds of public buildings into cooling centers, sent volunteers to check on vulnerable citizens, and extended pool opening hours across the city.

Three World Cup matches are scheduled for Friday in the United States, including a match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami at 6 PM. The stadium is not equipped with air conditioning, and temperatures are expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius at the start of the match.

On Saturday, France will face Paraguay in Philadelphia, where the heat index may reach 40 degrees Celsius.

Despite many buildings in the United States being equipped with air conditioning, heat waves cause more fatalities compared to hurricanes and floods.

This heat wave raises concerns due to its duration and intensity, along with the fact that nighttime temperature increases could threaten the most vulnerable populations and strain energy infrastructure.