Life-threatening heatwave spreads across US, causing 25 fatalities

At least 25 people have died as a result of extreme heat across the United States, which has also caused widespread disruptions to infrastructure, NBC News reports.

Nearly 156 million people across the eastern two-thirds of the United States were under heat alerts issued by the National Weather Service on Saturday, July 4.

A persistent high-pressure heat dome settled over much of the country, forcing hot air downward and driving temperatures above 100°F (38°C) in several areas, including the District of Columbia, Norfolk, Virginia, and Raleigh, North Carolina.

The state of New Jersey has been hit particularly hard. According to the state’s Department of Health, the death toll there rose from 19 to 22 on July 4 alone.

“This is not a typical summer heat wave. This type of heat can quickly become life-threatening to humans and to animals of all ages,” state health department spokesperson Dalya Ewais said.

In addition, two heat-related deaths were reported in Mississippi, while another fatality partially linked to heat exposure was confirmed in Illinois.

By Jeyhun Aghazada