Nearly 170 million Americans living across the central and eastern U.S. this week will be forced to endure dangerous heat as city officials declare emergencies and schools announce early closures.
In upstate New York, heat index values were expected to reach more than 100 degrees on Monday and Tuesday. It is the last week of school for districts there, and many districts have switched to half-day schedules.
“These changes in schedule were made to ensure the health and safety of both students and staff and to minimize the potential for heat-related illnesses,” Central School District Superintendent Dr. Marie Wiles said in a statement.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency across 32 Empire State counties in response to the rising temperatures. Down the East Coast, Philadelphia health officials declared a heat health emergency, urging people to look out for each other.
The cause of the triple-digit temperatures is a massive heat dome. AccuWeather warned it could lead to levels of heat and humidity not seen in June in many years.
“Bright sun and humid conditions will cause AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures to peak above 100 degrees for millions,” warned AccuWeather meteorologist Jacob Hinson.
