Brutal Juneteenth holiday heat wave scorches Midwest and Northeast
A brutal heat wave scorched a swath of the U.S on Wednesday, with millions from the Midwest to the Northeast enduring sweltering temperatures during the Juneteenth holiday.
A brutal heat wave scorched a large swath of the U.S. on Wednesday, with millions from the Midwest to the Northeast enduring sweltering temperatures during the Juneteenth holiday.
Cities across the region issued heat advisories warning residents to remain indoors and avoid strenuous activity. In total, more than 82 million people were under some form of heat advisory Wednesday evening.
Boston set a record with a high of 98 on Wednesday, breaking a 1923 record of 96 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Dozens more record highs are forecast over the next few days.
"It has been a busy day — a lot of different threats throughout the country," NBC News meteorologist Violeta Yas said, adding that sweltering temperatures are expected to continue for several more days.
Cities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania activated city services to keep residents safe. Newark officials declared a “code red” for Thursday and Friday, when the heat index — a measure that combines temperature and humidity levels — could reach 101 degrees.
Rating: 5