Unbearable heat suspected in 19 New Jersey deaths as high temperatures give way to thunderstorms

New Jersey officials are investigating at least 19 deaths suspected to be linked to a severe heatwave that gripped the state and surrounding areas. The victims were found in various conditions, with many discovered in homes lacking air conditioning, while others were found outdoors or in parked cars. The extreme temperatures, which have persisted for several days, have been particularly harsh, with Governor Mikie Sherrill noting it's the hottest stretch in over 14 years.

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Unfortunately, many of these individuals were found in homes without air conditioning.

The region experienced record-breaking temperatures. LaGuardia Airport in New York City hit 104 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday, surpassing a 1966 record. Trenton, New Jersey, reached 101 F, breaking a record from 1901. Newark recorded 105 F, and Atlantic City saw highs of 103 F on Thursday, 105 F on Friday, and 106 F on Saturday, shattering previous records.

Heat domes, characterized by high temperatures and humidity, create dangerous conditions. Meteorologists explain that the relentless heat, combined with minimal overnight cooling, prevents the body from recovering, leading to a dangerous buildup of stress. The low temperature in Atlantic City on Friday morning was 80 F, offering little respite.

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The heat's hitting all of us, not just seniors, not just with underlying health conditions, people of all ages.

As the heat dome begins to shift east, severe thunderstorms have moved in, bringing high winds that have caused widespread power outages. Close to 1 million utility customers across parts of the central, eastern, and southern United States were without electricity by Sunday afternoon. Michigan and Pennsylvania reported hundreds of thousands of outages, with utilities working to restore power amidst the ongoing storm activity.

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In a lot of cases they also had direct sunshine. It was relentless. It was multiple days. It was not as cool overnight, as well. The low Friday morning in Atlantic City was 80. The body can't recover as well. You just have that multiple day buildup and too much added stress on the body.