Story perspectives

Heat Wave Kills 25, Sparks Guard Deployment, Floods

7/6/2026

Summary

Heat Wave Kills

Heat wave killed at least 25 people, including 22 in New Jersey, as of July 5, 2026.
Extreme temperatures on July 3 hit New York City (38 °C, 43 °C heat index) and Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Boston, causing Independence Day events to be cancelled and a National Guard deployment at National Mall.
The cold front produced thunderstorms with 95 km/h gusts and 100 mm rain, cutting power to 900,000 homes and prompting flash-flood advisories for New York City.

Summary

Heat Alerts Surge

Heat alerts cover 40 million people across the East Coast, Southeast and Southwest.
A heat index of 100-105 °F is forecast for Philadelphia, Washington and Baltimore.
Extreme-heat watches for Arizona and California run Tuesday-Thursday with highs up to 114 °F.
Power outages affect over 215,000 in Michigan, 151,700 in Pennsylvania and 94,200 in New Jersey.
Flood alerts cover 34 million people from Delaware to Connecticut and may delay flights at Dallas and New York airports.

Summary

Authorities Evacuate

Authorities evacuated the National Mall and sent attendees to nearby government buildings before President Donald Trump’s speech.
Governor Mikie Sherrill said the extreme heat is affecting all ages and many victims lack air-conditioning.
Illinois deputies responded to a fallen tree that hit an RV trailer in Fox Township, killing a 47-year-old woman.
Meteorologists said storms will intensify after 2 p.m. on July 5 and Northeast temperatures will fall 10-15 °F by Sunday.

Summary

Airports Break Records

Newark International Airport (EWR) hit 105°F Thursday, its hottest reading since 2001.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) reached 102°F, breaking its 1966 record of 101°F.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) recorded 103°F Saturday, matching its 1901 high.
The heat dome weakened Sunday as it moved south, leaving over 140 million people under alerts and more than 120 new temperature records set since Tuesday.

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Heat Wave Kills

Heat wave killed at least 25 people, including 22 in New Jersey, as of July 5, 2026.
Extreme temperatures on July 3 hit New York City (38 °C, 43 °C heat index) and Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Boston, causing Independence Day events to be cancelled and a National Guard deployment at National Mall.
The cold front produced thunderstorms with 95 km/h gusts and 100 mm rain, cutting power to 900,000 homes and prompting flash-flood advisories for New York City.

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