The heatwave that covered most of the United States on the weekend of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the country has killed dozens of people across the East Coast, Southeast and Southwest of the country, Xinhua reported.
In New Jersey, it is estimated that at least 29 people died from the heat wave, according to the state Department of Health. Deaths were recorded in 10 counties, and officials said most of the victims were found in houses without air conditioning.
New Jersey Health Commissioner Raynard Washington said at a press conference that the victims were not only elderly but also some younger people.
Extreme heat is the leading cause of death related to weather in the US, and this is the hottest heat we have seen in more than 14 years," New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said at the same press conference.
The heat wave has affected much of the country, with more than 20 states recording temperatures of at least 37.8°C. At least 148 record high temperatures of the day were set from June 30 to July 5.
In Chicago, 4 people died due to causes related to the city's recent heatwave, according to records from the Cook County Medical Examination Office. In Mississippi, Hinds County officials confirmed that an 83-year-old woman died from high temperatures after falling in a garden near her home. In New York City, a prolonged heatwave has caused hundreds of residents to be hospitalized for emergency treatment in the past week.
The US capital Washington D.C. recorded the hottest day of July 4 ever, with temperatures reaching 39.4°C. The Great American State Fair, a national exhibition event held at National Mall as part of the 250th anniversary of the founding, had to be temporarily closed after emergency responders handled 44 people, including 11 hospitalized, mostly due to illnesses and injuries related to heat. Some other events scheduled to take place on the same day, including the National Day parade in Washington D.C., were also canceled due to extreme heat.
Philadelphia recorded record high temperatures from 38.3°C or higher for three consecutive days, for the first time since the statistics began. Atlantic City also equaled the record high temperature of all time when the temperature reached 41.1°C.
