A heat wave that began in the Midwest intensified in the Northeast on Thursday, with temperatures hitting or surpassing 38°C in cities including New York and Washington. High humidity is expected to make conditions feel even hotter.
The National Weather Service has warned that the combination of extreme heat and humidity could create life-threatening conditions. These hazardous levels of heat are of particular concern as the United States heads into a milestone July 4 holiday weekend with many planned outdoor events to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
In New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani stressed that the power grid is working overtime to keep the city cool.