Record Heat Wave Hits U.S. Following Europe, At Least 25 Dead

On July 2, 2026, at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., attendees cool off with cold water bottles. Photo: AFP/Yonhap — On July 2, 2026, at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., attendees cool off with cold water bottles. [Photo: AFP/Yonhap]

The United States is experiencing a record heat wave, following a similar situation in Europe, resulting in multiple fatalities. After a surge in excess deaths in major European countries like France due to temperatures exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the U.S. has reported at least 25 heat-related deaths attributed to a heat dome.
According to NBC on July 5, heat-related fatalities have been recorded across the Deep South, Midwest, and East Coast, totaling at least 25. The National Weather Service (NWS) announced that heat alerts were issued for approximately 156 million people across two-thirds of the eastern U.S.
This heat wave is the result of a heat dome that has formed over the Midwest and East Coast, trapping hot air and causing temperatures to soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in areas such as Washington, D.C., Norfolk, Virginia, and Raleigh, North Carolina.
New Jersey has been particularly hard hit, with the state health department reporting an increase in heat-related deaths from 19 to 22. Most of the deceased were between their 30s and 80s, with incidents occurring across 10 counties in New Jersey.
Leonard Washington, director of the New Jersey Department of Health, stated at a press conference, "Unfortunately, many of these individuals were found in homes without air conditioning. Some were discovered outside or in parked vehicles."
Additionally, one heat-related death has been reported in Cook County, Illinois. In Hinds County, Mississippi, a 74-year-old man died from heat exposure, and an 83-year-old woman was found dead due to the heat in Bolton, Mississippi, on June 27.
Independence Day celebrations were also affected. During the "Salute to America 250" event at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., emergency responders and the National Guard assisted attendees showing symptoms of heat-related illnesses. The surface temperature of chairs at the event reached approximately 71 degrees Fahrenheit.
As the heat wave begins to subside, strong thunderstorms have emerged. Unstable air has formed from the collision of warm and cold air, affecting areas from Missouri to Pennsylvania, with over 72 million people under severe thunderstorm watches. Meteorologists have warned of potential winds exceeding 65 mph and hail the size of quarters in some regions.
Power outages have also been reported due to strong winds and thunderstorms. According to the power outage tracking site PowerOutage.us, over 1.3 million customers across several states, from Oklahoma to Connecticut, experienced outages. Michigan had the highest number at over 305,000, followed by New Jersey with more than 124,000 and Missouri with over 100,000.
The NWS forecasts that cooler air moving southward will help alleviate extreme heat in the Northeast. However, high temperatures and humidity may continue at night, raising concerns about heat-related illnesses.

Europe Also Faces Severe Heat Wave

Europe has also been grappling with a record heat wave. Countries such as France, Spain, Italy, and Germany have reported daytime highs exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to fatalities, increased wildfire risks, and heightened power demand.
According to Reuters, over 2,000 excess deaths were reported in France due to the record heat wave last month. French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist stated in an interview with local broadcaster TF1, "During the extreme heat period last month, a total of 2,025 excess deaths were recorded. This figure is not final and may increase further."
The Guardian reported that Spanish authorities also recorded 1,029 excess deaths during the heat wave last month.

* This article has been translated by AI.