After Europe, Heatwave Grips US, Canada, Mexico As Temperatures Soar; Triggering Health Alerts

Washington: Amid a heatwave in Europe, the United States is also experiencing intense heat. The situation has become so dire that local authorities in many cities are implementing special measures to save lives. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), temperatures in the central and eastern parts of the country could reach above 38 degrees Celsius, while humidity could push temperatures up to 46 degrees Celsius.

What did the weather department say?

More than 60 million people in the United States are currently under heat alerts. The weather service has warned that many cities could break years-old temperature records in the coming days. This intense heat is expected to continue until the July 4 Independence Day holiday.

The Chicago administration has opened cooling centers across the city to address the situation. Teams of government employees are also being sent to check on the elderly and sick.

Are cooling centers being built in every city?

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has launched a special program to combat the heat. Mobile vans are being deployed to provide free drinking water. Temporary cooling stations have been set up across the city, providing misting fans and cooling towels to provide temporary relief.

Temperatures in the US capital, Washington, are also expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius from Thursday to Saturday, during which time a grand fireworks display will be held to mark the country's 250th Independence Day.

What did the health department advice?

Health agencies have urged people to limit sun exposure, drink plenty of water, and monitor for signs of heat stroke. Authorities have also strongly discouraged leaving children in closed cars. So far this year, nine children have died in the United States after being trapped inside hot cars.

The intense heat is also affecting sports. Many matches of the ongoing FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, are being played in intense heat. Players and spectators faced heat-related problems in some matches, while previously, a match had to be stopped for nearly two hours due to bad weather. The weather service predicts that the coming days could prove even more challenging for the United States.