North America heatwave — The first major heatwave of summer 2025 has descended on eastern North America, leaving dozens hospitalised and forcing emergency measures in cities across the United States and Canada.
From New Jersey to Nova Scotia, more than 160 million people are under heat warnings as temperatures climb above 38°C (101°F) in some regions. The US National Weather Service (NWS) has declared the event life-threatening due to extreme heat and high humidity.
Graduation Turns Into Mass Casualty Event
In Paterson, New Jersey, over 150 people fell ill during a high school graduation ceremony on Monday, prompting Mayor Andre Sayegh to declare a state of emergency. Authorities called the situation a “mass casualty” incident and cancelled all further recreational activities, opening up cooling centers across the city.
Across the coast in Washington, DC, six concertgoers at a performance by South Korean pop group Stray Kids were hospitalised for heat-related complications, according to CBS News, a BBC media partner North America heatwave.
Canada and US East Coast Bake in Oppressive Heat
The heatwave is also gripping parts of Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. In North Carolina, local media reported at least 41 hospitalisations from heat exhaustion and dehydration, including multiple children.
Experts warn that this heatwave is unusual not just in intensity but in its duration. Temperatures in cities like New York and Philadelphia are expected to remain above 80°F (27°C) overnight, offering little relief. Forecasters say conditions may worsen through Friday, with the Mid-Atlantic and eastern Ohio Valley seeing the highest risk of health emergencies North America heatwave.
According to NWS guidelines, heat exhaustion symptoms include dizziness, confusion, heavy sweating, and nausea. If left untreated, it can escalate into heatstroke — a life-threatening condition.
Could June Records Be Broken?
New York City is on the brink of matching its all-time June high of 101°F (38°C), a record set in 1966. Energy companies are urging residents to conserve electricity as demand soars from increased use of air conditioning, raising concerns about potential blackouts North America heatwave.
Advice from Experts
Climate and weather experts are advising people to stay indoors during peak hours, hydrate frequently, and check on elderly neighbors and those with pre-existing health conditions. Simple actions like wearing lightweight clothing and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during mid-day can reduce risk.
BBC weather presenter Sarah Keith-Lucas explained: “High humidity makes it much harder for the human body to cool itself down. This is why even 32°C can feel significantly hotter when the air is humid.”
More than Just a Summer Heatwave?
Although extreme heat has become a seasonal reality for many regions, this event is a stark reminder of the intensifying climate crisis. The frequency and scale of heatwaves across North America suggest that such events are no longer anomalies but symptoms of a changing climate.
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