A severe heat wave that gripped large parts of the United States during the country’s 250th independence day celebrations has claimed the lives of more than two dozen people, with soaring temperatures triggering health emergencies.Several public events, including an Independence Day parade in the US capital, were also cancelled because of the dangerous weather conditions.New Jersey records highest death tollNew Jersey was among the worst-hit states, with at least 29 heat-related deaths reported across 10 counties, according to the state’s department of health.Officials said most victims were found in homes without air conditioning, while both elderly residents and younger adults were among the fatalities.“Extreme heat is the number one weather-related killer in America, and this is the hottest stretch we’ve seen in over 14 years,” New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill said, Xinhua cites.Record temperatures across the USAccording to the FOX forecast center, more than 20 states recorded temperatures of at least 37.8°C, while 148 daily high-temperature records were broken between June 30 and July 5.Washington, DC, registered its hottest July 4 on record, with temperatures reaching 39.4°C, while Philadelphia experienced temperatures of 38.3°C or higher for three consecutive days for the first time since records began.Atlantic City also tied its all-time highest recorded temperature at 41.1°C.Heat-related deaths reported in multiple statesIn Chicago, four people died from causes linked to the recent heat wave, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.Meanwhile, officials in Mississippi confirmed that an 83-year-old woman died from heat exposure after collapsing in a garden near her home.In New York City, the prolonged heat wave sent hundreds of residents to emergency rooms over the past week.
