Around 145 million people across the eastern United States are under heat alerts as a dangerous heat wave intensifies ahead of the July 4th holiday. The National Weather Service warns of temperatures soaring into the upper 90s and 100s, with heat index values reaching 105 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit in cities like Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. The heat is expected to peak Thursday through Saturday, with nearly 100 new daily record highs projected by Independence Day.
Meanwhile, deadly wildfires continue to rage in the West, fueled by hot, dry conditions. In the South, catastrophic flash floods have claimed at least four lives, adding to the nation's weather-related crises.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a warning Monday, urging residents to prepare for extreme heat, which he described as "very dangerous." The city is under an extreme heat warning until Wednesday, with six community cooling centers opened to provide relief. Johnson advised staying indoors with air conditioning or keeping blinds closed and windows slightly open for those without cooling access.
The heat wave is expected to bring warm overnight temperatures, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. In New York City, temperatures could reach 95 degrees Friday, with a heat index of 106. Washington, D.C., and Raleigh are forecasted to hit 103 degrees, with heat indexes of 108 and 107, respectively.
The combination of heat, wildfires, and floods has placed nearly half the country under weather-related alerts, with officials urging caution and preparedness.