A multiday heat wave is bringing high temperatures and health risks from the Midwest to the Northeast, prompting warnings and emergency measures.
A relentless and intensifying heat wave is expanding across the central and eastern United States this week, bringing well-above-average heat to millions of people from the Midwest to the East Coast and prompting health advisories across several states.
After pushing temperatures to around 100 degrees in parts of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota on Saturday, the heat is expected to continue over the Midwest and shift eastward on Sunday.
By midweek, the heat is expected to affect major urban areas, including New York City, Philadelphia and Washington.
“This is the deadliest weather threat we face in New York City — treat it that way,” the city’s Emergency Management said on social media on Saturday. “Don’t wait until you feel sick. Heat builds. It compounds. It kills quietly.”
New York City officials noted that more than 500 residents die prematurely each year from heat-related causes, and they expect oppressive temperatures to persist through at least Tuesday.
In Philadelphia, the Department of Public Health issued a heat health emergency, beginning at noon on Sunday and continuing through Wednesday evening.
