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29 Dead in NJ Heat Wave: Record Temps Strain East Coast
7 Jul
Summary
- New Jersey likely saw 29 heat-related deaths, ranging from mid-30s to 80s.
- New York City ERs reported highest heat illness visits in years.
- Climate change and drought exacerbated extreme weather event.
New Jersey has recorded 29 suspected heat-related fatalities, with victims aged between their mid-30s and 80s. These deaths primarily occurred in central and northern regions where temperatures exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit for days, with minimal nighttime relief. Officials released the number to highlight the dangers of extreme heat, a leading cause of weather-related deaths.
New York City's emergency rooms experienced their highest volume of heat-related illness treatments in recent years. On one Friday alone, 146 visits were logged, with three confirmed heat-related deaths in the city, all of whom had underlying health conditions. Hospitals treated an unusual number of patients for heat-related problems.
The extreme weather was amplified by climate change and a two-year drought, leaving the soil unable to absorb rapid rainfall. This led to flash flooding in some areas, submerging cars and causing infrastructure damage. Power outages affected approximately 185,000 homes and businesses across Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
