A brutal heat wave scorched much of the US on Wednesday, with millions of people from the Midwest to the Northeast dealing with sweltering temperatures over the June holidays.
Cities across the region have issued heat advisories warning residents to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activities. In total, more than 82 million people were under some form of heat advisory on Wednesday evening.
Boston set a record Wednesday with a high of 98 degrees, breaking a 1923 record of 96 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Dozens more record highs are forecast in the coming days.
“It was a busy day – there were a lot of different threats across the country,” said NBC News meteorologist Violeta Yas, adding that the sweltering temperatures are expected to continue for several more days.
Cities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania activated city services to protect residents. Officials in Newark declared a “code red” for Thursday and Friday, when the heat index — a measure that combines temperature and humidity levels — could reach 101 degrees.
The Philadelphia Health Department has issued an emergency heat health advisory Thursday morning through Saturday evening, when temperatures could reach triple digits. The declaration activates emergency programs such as cooling centers, home visits by specialized field teams and outreach to people experiencing homelessness.
The extreme heat also triggered air quality warnings in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire and Ohio.
Forecasts this week predict temperatures 10 to 25 degrees above average, with temperatures rising into the upper 90s and low 100s. Heat index values peaked at 100 to 105 degrees in many locations on Wednesday.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are likely in some areas Thursday and Friday, with excessive rain possible in eastern South Dakota, parts of Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
NBC News meteorologist Michelle Grossman warned that extreme heat should not be taken lightly.
“It’s dangerous – extreme heat is the biggest weather-related cause of death, so you have to take it seriously,” she said.
People without access to reliable air conditioning are urged to find places to cool off, as “record warm nighttime temperatures will prevent natural cooling and allow the heat hazard to build up indoors over time without air conditioning,” according to the National Weather Service.
Severe heat is also affecting the Southwest, where an excessive heat warning remains in effect for Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. Last week, a 44-year-old Pennsylvania mother fainted while hiking in Sedona, Arizona, and died. According to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, her two young daughters and her husband said she appeared to be suffering from heat exhaustion.
In New Mexico, firefighters have been battling wildfires that ignited in dry, hot conditions. At least two people have died and 1,400 structures have been lost in the South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire — fires that together have burned more than 50,000 acres and forced the evacuation of thousands of people. As of Wednesday morning, these fires were 0% contained.
Meanwhile, in California, the Post Fire has burned more than 40,000 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura counties and is 39% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
