In response to a severe heat wave affecting parts of the U.S., Mayor Andre Sayegh of Paterson, New Jersey, declared a state of emergency after numerous attendees of an outdoor high school graduation were hospitalized. On June 23, temperatures soared to the upper 90s, with a heat index reaching 107 degrees. Emergency medical technicians took nine individuals to hospitals, while around 50 others received on-site treatment at Hinchliffe Stadium. During a subsequent ceremony, about 100 more attendees were treated, and seven required hospital care.
Due to the extreme temperatures, seven additional graduation ceremonies planned at the stadium were rescheduled. The National Weather Service warns that persistent exposure to high heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and outdoor workers.
Officials have provided guidelines to mitigate heat risks, urging individuals to drink plenty of fluids, stay indoors when possible, wear lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during peak heat hours. Symptoms of serious heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke include a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, skin that is hot and dry, rapid pulse, dizziness, and confusion. In such cases, immediate medical attention is crucial.
The broader impact of the heat wave extends beyond New Jersey, affecting tens of millions in the Eastern U.S., where a “ring of fire” of thunderstorms is forming at the edges of the heat dome. This scenario stays critical, merging heat dangers with possible thunderstorms, posing additional risks across multiple states.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
