Heatwave grips 70% of U.S. as dangerous temperatures persist through weekend

A dangerous heatwave is gripping the United States, impacting an estimated 238 million people, or 70% of the national population. The extreme temperatures, which have already hit the Midwest, have now spread to the East Coast, with many states under high alert.

Cities across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions are bracing for potentially record-breaking highs throughout the Fourth of July holiday weekend. New York City anticipates a high of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) on Thursday, with a "feels like" temperature reaching 111 Fahrenheit (44 degrees Celsius). This would mark the city's hottest day in over a decade. Washington D.C. and Baltimore are also projected to near their all-time heat records, with expected highs of 106 Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius).

The intense heat is expected to drive record demand for air conditioning. To prevent power outages and ensure the stability of the electrical grid in the eastern U.S., authorities have instructed large energy consumers, including data centers, to prepare to use their emergency generators. The Secretary of Energy has directed grid operators to require these major consumers to activate backup power if needed to alleviate pressure on the system.