A relentless heat wave sweeping across the eastern United States has claimed at least 25 lives, as soaring temperatures and severe thunderstorms disrupted Independence Day celebrations across the country.
Officials said nearly 156 million people remained under heat alerts, while emergency crews responded to heat-related illnesses and weather emergencies.
US officials confirmed on Saturday that at least 25 people have died as a powerful heat dome continued to grip the eastern two-thirds of the country.
According to the National Weather Service, nearly 156 million people remained under heat alerts as temperatures climbed above 38°C (100°F) in several cities, including Washington, DC, Norfolk in Virginia, and Raleigh in North Carolina.
Independence Day celebrations disrupted
The extreme weather significantly affected Fourth of July events across the United States.
In Washington, DC, emergency workers and National Guard personnel treated numerous people for heat-related illnesses during the "Salute to America 250" celebrations marking the nation's 250th anniversary.
Authorities temporarily suspended festivities on the National Mall after the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency urged attendees to seek shelter as severe thunderstorms moved through the area.
Earlier, officials also cancelled Washington's Independence Day parade because of dangerous heat conditions.
Millions face heat, storm threats
Alongside the dangerous heat, more than 72 million people were placed under severe thunderstorm watches.
Forecasters warned of wind gusts exceeding 105 kilometres per hour (65 mph) and hail as large as quarters, with damaging winds reported in parts of Nebraska and Iowa.
The National Weather Service said cooler air moving south from Canada is expected to gradually push the heat dome farther south and west, bringing some relief to the Northeast. However, officials warned that high humidity and dangerously warm overnight temperatures could continue.
New Jersey records highest number of fatalities
New Jersey has reported the highest number of suspected heat-related deaths.
State health authorities said the death toll increased from 19 to 22, with victims ranging in age from their 30s to 80s across 10 counties, mainly in central and northern New Jersey.
State Health Commissioner Raynard Washington said many victims were found inside homes without air conditioning, while others were discovered outdoors or inside parked vehicles.
Officials have deployed cooling equipment and generators to healthcare facilities and, in some cases, evacuated patients to reduce pressure on hospitals.
Authorities continue urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor activities, and seek air-conditioned spaces as extreme temperatures persist.
Emergency services remain on alert as weather conditions continue to affect large parts of the country during one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year.
