Key facts
- Millions across the US East Coast are experiencing dangerous heat and humidity, with temperatures expected to reach 38C (100F).
- The heat index could reach 115F in cities like Washington DC, Philadelphia, and New York.
- Extreme heat warnings are in effect from the Midwest to the Northeast.
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani advised residents to stay indoors and cool.
- President Donald Trump plans to hold an outdoor 4 July celebration despite high temperatures.
- Fencing and street closures are in place around Madison Square Garden for a rumored wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
Millions of people across the US East Coast are enduring dangerous heat and humidity, with temperatures expected to reach and stay at 38C (100F) for several days. The National Weather Service has warned that the heat index could reach as high as 115F in cities such as Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York over the 4 July weekend. This extreme heat follows an unprecedented spell of early summer heat across Europe and is intensifying across the Midwest into the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states. The National Weather Service stated that this level of rare and long-duration heat, with little or no overnight relief, affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Maximum temperatures could hit 100F in New York Central Park on Thursday and Friday, the first time in 12 years. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani advised residents to stay inside and stay cool. In Washington D.C., the city could record four consecutive days of 100F heat, a rare occurrence. The United States Capitol Police limited attendance at a 4 July concert rehearsal due to the excessive heat. President Donald Trump plans to proceed with an outdoor 4 July celebration on Saturday, stating he intends to give a long speech despite the predicted high temperatures. Canada is also experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures up to 99F in Ontario and heat warnings across Quebec. High humidity levels are expected to make conditions feel more oppressive, with heat index values potentially reaching 115F. The heat is attributed to a persistent area of high pressure, a 'heat dome,' amplified by dry soil conditions in the Northeast, which has been in drought. The article notes that heatwaves have become more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting due to human-induced climate change. Temperatures in the Northeast are expected to drop slightly on 4 July with the threat of severe thunderstorms, but will remain above average, with a more significant drop anticipated for Sunday and Monday. Meanwhile, fencing and street closures are in place around Madison Square Garden for a rumored wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. The venue's calendar is clear from Thursday through Tuesday, suggesting a multi-day event, with reports indicating a 100-person event on Thursday and a 1,000-person celebration on Friday. The NYPD is increasing patrols for the busy July 4th weekend, which also includes parades, fireworks, a World Cup match, and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed a security detail will be in place for an event at the Garden on Friday night.