NYC Scorches at 100°F Amid Eastern US Heat Wave

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    Extreme heat has enveloped the Eastern United States, bringing with it record-breaking temperatures and intense humidity, culminating in what appears to be the worst manifestations of this heat wave.
    New York City’s John F. Kennedy Airport recorded a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday, a feat not seen since 2013. Other northeastern cities like Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Boston quickly followed suit, joining the “100-degree club.” An estimated 150 million residents across the region found themselves under heat warnings as the National Weather Service anticipated numerous locations reaching new daily high temperature records. This oppressive heat further resulted in increased hospital visits, disrupted train schedules, and energy providers urging consumers to reduce their power usage.
    “Every East Coast state from Maine to Florida is experiencing the threat of reaching 100 degrees,” remarked private meteorologist Ryan Maue, previously associated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In a rare occurrence, Fryeburg, Maine also hit the 100-degree mark, a first since 2011. “Such temperatures in Maine are indeed unusual,” Maue added.
    The scorching conditions unfolded on top of 39 occurrences of new or matched heat records on Monday. However, it is not just the daytime temperatures that pose a threat; the absence of overnight cooling due to persistent humidity is equally concerning.
    “The combination of extreme heat and humidity without nighttime reprieve is especially problematic,” said Jacob Asherman, a NOAA meteorologist. “Everything is just compounding… underscores the severity of this heat event.”
    Both Asherman and Maue believe Tuesday represents the peak of a high-pressure system over the Mid-Atlantic, responsible for sustaining heightened heat and humidity levels. “Nobody is truly shielded from this heat,” said Kimberly McMahon from the weather service, emphasizing the public health risks associated with such temperatures.
    The heat wave turned perilous in various ways. In New Jersey, dozens of individuals at outdoor high school graduations had ailments linked to heat exhaustion, with 16 individuals transported to hospitals. The event, occurring in Paterson, necessitated halting due to soaring temperatures. Furthermore, two young hikers in New Hampshire faced a similar predicament, needing rescue after succumbing to the intense heat.
    Voting day in New York City saw temperatures rising as residents participated in the primary elections. In Queens, supporter Rekha Malhotra distributed flyers under 90-degree conditions, equipped with a personal fan.
    Utilities across the Midwest and East are struggling to manage the elevated energy demands. In Memphis, Tennessee, families were encouraged to limit their light usage, delay running household appliances until nighttime, and moderately adjust thermostats higher if possible.
    A prevailing issue alongside these daytime conditions is the stifling heat at night, which prevents the human body from recuperating, cautions Bernadette Woods Placky from Climate Central. Ideally, nighttime temperatures should drop to 75 degrees to facilitate human recovery, McMahon explains, drawing lessons from a major heat event in the Pacific Northwest several years ago.
    Unlike other weather phenomena, heat exacerbates health issues cumulatively, McMahon noted. The trend of rising nighttime temperatures can largely be attributed to climate change, leading to increased humidity retention. This differentiates contemporary heatwaves from phenomena like the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, where despite similar daytime highs, cooler nights provided relief.
    Climate data from NOAA indicates the average summer daytime temperature in the U.S. has risen by 2.2 degrees Fahrenheit since 1975. Meanwhile, nighttime lows have increased by 2.6 degrees, with cities like Baltimore experiencing an even sharper rise of 4.5 degrees at night.
    Amid these high temperatures, businesses like Acme Ice and Dry Ice Company in Massachusetts are experiencing ballooning demand as refrigeration units across the city falter. Owner Marc Savenor reports being inundated with orders, often working around the clock to satisfy the needs of his customers.
    Similarly, Mudassar Khan, owner of Khan Electronics in Queens, notes the rapid sale of air conditioning units as residents grapple with relentless overnight heat.
    Relief is on the horizon, as Maue predicts a much-needed drop in temperatures, with New York City potentially enjoying highs in the 70s by Friday.