Brutal heatwave scorches eastern US ahead of Fourth of July weekend

People disembark a ferry at Battery Park during a heatwave in New York on Wednesday. Photograph: Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images View image in fullscreen People disembark a ferry at Battery Park during a heatwave in New York on Wednesday. Photograph: Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images Brutal heatwave scorches eastern US ahead of Fourth of July weekend National Weather Service warns heat index could reach 115F as heat grips midwest, Ohio valley and east coast Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email A “prolonged, dangerous heatwave” was sweeping across parts of the central and eastern United States on Thursday, with forecasters warning that extreme record-breaking temperatures are expected to continue into the holiday weekend for millions of Americans. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned on Thursday that temperatures between 95F (35C) and 105F (40.5C), combined with high humidity, will push heat index values across parts of the region to between 100F and 115F. “This will lead to widespread areas of Major to Extreme HeatRisk from the Midwest to the East Coast” the NWS said . “Numerous daily temperature records are expected today, Friday, and Independence day, with some consecutive-day, monthly and all-time records possible.” World Cup matches played in potentially dangerous heat as players’ union makes climate warning Read more The agency said on Thursday afternoon that extreme heat is expected to “continue across most of the central and eastern US through Friday”, then it will focus “across the eastern US through the Independence Day holiday weekend”. “Peak heat indices of up to 115 degrees are possible,” the forecasters added. The NWS warned that “prolonged periods of extreme heat are among the deadliest weather hazards” in the US, “because impacts build over time”. “Protect yourself by limiting time outdoors, staying hydrated and ensuring access to A/C or cooling centers,” the agency said. As of Thursday morning, numerous areas across the Mississippi valley, Great Lakes, Ohio valley, and north-east are under extreme heat warnings, which are issued when “extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring”. In New York City, temperatures reached 100F in Central Park on Thursday afternoon, marking the park’s first triple-digit day since July 2012. Forecasters in New York warned that “dangerous heat and humidity” is expected through Saturday, with heat index values forecast to reach “as high as 115F”. The NWS in New York also warned that thunderstorms are “possible Friday evening, and a few may become severe with damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and localized flash flooding”. New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani, urged residents to take precautions. “Please stay prepared and informed as these dangerously high temperatures continue,” he said, adding that Friday’s heat index was expected to reach 110F. “Plan for extreme temperatures. Drink more water than usual. Reach out to vulnerable neighbors who may need help finding resources.” M