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Some 80 million people are currently under a heat advisory or
warning as heat is expected to surpass 90 degrees Fahrenheit
(32.2 degrees Celsius) and flirt with 100 degrees in some areas,
which is 20 degrees above average this time of year,
meteorologist Andrew Orrison of the National Weather Service
said.
The heat wave comes as the nation prepares to observe
Wednesday's Juneteenth holiday, which commemorates the end of
U.S. slavery in 1865. While it become an official federal
holiday in 2021, Black Americans, especially in Texas, have
traditionally celebrated the day with barbecues and other
outdoor activities.
Officials are advising that people stay hydrated, limit
strenuous activity in the sun and wear lightweight clothing.
The temperatures do not factor in humidity that will make it
feel even hotter.
The heat index in parts of Indiana, Ohio and Michigan, as well
as New England, could touch triple digits, the NWS said.
In New York City, a joint statement from the emergency
management and health departments said cooling centers will open
starting Tuesday and warned that high heat is a "silent killer."
Older adults and young children, as well as people with chronic
conditions or who are pregnant, are the most at risk. Chicago
has also announced that it will open cooling centers.
The NWS warned against leaving children and pet unattended in
cars, given that sunlight can make the inside of a car heat up
very quickly and cause vehicular heatstroke.
Temperatures are expected to remain elevated until the weekend.
(Reporting by Tyler Clifford in New York City; Editing by Josie
Kao)
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