Dangerous heat is sweeping the US East Coast

A dangerous heat dome is enveloping the eastern half of the US, pushing temperatures in some states into the triple digits yesterday and could hit those levels again today.

New York, Boston, and Philadelphia are under multi-day extreme heat warnings.

The National Weather Service forecast temperatures could exceed 100° Fahrenheit. It also warned that high humidity will make conditions feel even hotter, raising the risk of heat-related illnesses.

The hot weather has accelerated efforts to protect vulnerable people as outdoor Fourth of July celebrations take place across the country this weekend.

New York City has opened hundreds of cooling centers and deployed 200 teams to check on at-risk residents. Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged people to stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities as triple-digit temperatures grip the city.

The heat wave has also driven up demand for ice, prompting Acme Ice Co. in Massachusetts to deploy additional trucks and drivers to meet soaring orders from bars and restaurants.

Experts say climate change is making heat waves longer, hotter, and more frequent.