Millions in US sweat out first extreme heat wave of year

TEMPERATURES THIS WEEK EXPECTED TO REACH 39° CELSIUS IN NEW YORK

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A potentially life-threatening heatwave enveloped the eastern third of the United States on Monday, impacting nearly 160 million people, with temperatures this week expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius in the New York metropolitan area.

The country’s first significant scorching heat of the year triggered health warnings as it arrived over the weekend. Dangerously high temperatures are forecast through today in Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City and Boston.

'Brutal and dangerous if...'

"This extreme heat will not just be uncomfortable and oppressive for New Yorkers," warned Mayor Eric Adams, adding that each year heat claims the lives of 500 people in this city of eight million.

"It’s going to be brutal and dangerous if you do not treat it with the understanding that we want you to," he added.

As sweltering heat baked the city, authorities urged seniors, people with health problems and those without air conditioning to stay hydrated and seek help at designated cooling centres such as libraries and recreation facilities.