New york city: A historically severe heatwave has swept across the United States, with record-breaking temperatures extending from the Midwest into the eastern regions. Tens of millions of people are affected, following the issuance of heatwave warnings by authorities. The heatwave coincides with the 250th anniversary celebrations of the nation's founding and is expected to persist through the weekend.
According to Thai News Agency, the extreme heat is anticipated to push perceived temperatures to between 37.8 and 46.1 degrees Celsius across most affected areas. The soaring temperatures raise concerns about heat-related illnesses among vulnerable populations and could potentially strain the already overloaded power grid due to increased demand from data centers and electric vehicles.
In response, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Wednesday that the city has activated its emergency plan to combat the heatwave. This includes opening several heat relief centers across all five boroughs and deploying over a dozen mobile ambulances to provide medical services, water, electrolytes, sunscreen, and food to those in need.
Additionally, the number of field officers has been increased to 600 to assist the homeless and vulnerable individuals. For the first time in the city's post-Independence Day history, experts have been dispatched to visit and aid the elderly. Mayor Mamdani urged both residents and tourists attending the Independence Day celebrations to take necessary precautions such as taking breaks, staying indoors when feasible, drinking plenty of water, and remaining prepared throughout the heatwave.