Dangerous heatwave scorches US ahead of Fourth of July holiday

BBC:

Millions of people across the US East Coast are braced for record 4 July temperatures over the holiday weekend.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned the heat index – a measure of how hot it feels based on heat and humidity – could reach as high as 115F in cities such as Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York.

The soaring temperatures are raising concerns as US President Donald Trump hosts a celebration marking America’s 250th birthday and multiple World Cup matches take place outdoors.

The heatwave follows an unprecedented spell of early summer heat across Europe, with record highs across the continent.

The stifling heat that has been blasting the Midwest has now spread into the north-east and mid-Atlantic states. Extreme heat warnings continued on Thursday from the Midwest into the north-east.

“This level of rare and long-duration heat, with little or no overnight relief, affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration,” the NWS said in a warning.

The 4 July holiday is traditionally characterised by lots of outdoors activities – barbecues in yards and on rooftops, community parades and fireworks at night.

“These are extremely dangerous conditions,” said New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

On Thursday, the city hit 100F (38C) degrees, its hottest day since 2012, and it could hit triple digits again on Friday.

“My recommendation to all New Yorkers is to stay inside and stay cool,” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani warned at a news conference, “and if you happen to be getting married at Madison Square Garden, you will be staying inside and you will be staying cool, and I think it’s a good example to set for the city at large.”

Pop star Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce are reportedly celebrating their wedding at the New York arena on Friday.

Further south, in the nation’s capital, the city could record four days in a row of 100F heat. This has only happened twice before.