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Eastern U.S. swelters under 'atrocious' record-breaking heatwave ahead of July 4th holiday
🇨🇭 Switzerland /Disasters & Emergencies

Eastern U.S. swelters under 'atrocious' record-breaking heatwave ahead of July 4th holiday

From Le Temps · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A dangerous and record-breaking heatwave is scorching the eastern half of the United States, with temperatures reaching near 102°F (39°C) in Washington D.C. and 104°F (40°C) in New York.
  • The extreme heat is expected to persist through the July 4th holiday weekend, straining power grids and posing significant health risks, especially to vulnerable populations.
  • Despite widespread air conditioning, heatwaves are deadlier than hurricanes or floods in the U.S., prompting concerns for outdoor workers and those without reliable cooling.

The eastern United States is grappling with a "dangerous and record-breaking" heatwave, with the National Weather Service warning of its persistence through the July 4th holiday weekend. In Washington D.C., Thursday's temperature hit 102°F (39°C), shattering a 128-year-old record for July 2nd. The oppressive humidity exacerbates the sweltering conditions.

It's very, very humid. It's atrocious.

— June MartinA street vendor in Washington D.C. describes the extreme heat and humidity affecting the eastern U.S.

"It's very, very humid. It's atrocious," said June Martin, a street vendor in the capital, seeking refuge under an umbrella. "If you don't need to be outside, don't stay there. I'm here for a good reason... it's how I pay my bills."

New York City's Central Park recorded 100°F (38°C) with a heat index of 41°C, a first since 2012. Other parts of the city saw temperatures reach 104°F (40°C), a new daily record. Boston also registered a record 37°C. The NWS cautioned that more daily, monthly, and even historical records could fall, intensified by high humidity.

If you don't need to be outside, don't stay there. I'm here for a good reason... it's how I pay my bills.

— June MartinA street vendor in Washington D.C. explains his reasons for working outdoors despite the dangerous heat.

While most U.S. buildings have air conditioning, heatwaves claim more lives annually than hurricanes and floods. Outdoor workers, the elderly, and children are particularly at risk. "It's really hard," shared construction worker José in Washington, whose 12-hour shift was not shortened. He adapts by taking short breaks indoors.

It's really hard.

— JoséA construction worker in Washington D.C. comments on the difficulties of working outdoors during the heatwave.

Trey Parker, a New York resident, struggles to keep his children cool as his air conditioning system falters. "We had to go out to get some air, buy ice cream and cool down a bit," he explained, highlighting the challenges families face. Authorities are concerned about the heatwave's duration and intensity, noting that nighttime temperatures offer little respite, with lows expected around 27°C in Washington.

We had to go out to get some air, buy ice cream and cool down a bit.

— Trey ParkerA New York resident describes how he is trying to keep his children cool during the record-breaking heat.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Temps in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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