From Brooklyn to the Bronx: How long will the NYC heatwave last and who's most at risk?

Time of India

22-06-2025

A powerful heatwave continued to sweep across large parts of the United States on Sunday, bringing dangerously high temperatures to cities from the Midwest to the East Coast. By early morning, Chicago had already hit 26.6°C, and forecasters warned of heat indices as high as 40.5°C across the region. In Columbus, temperatures reached 25°C by 8:30 a.m., on track for a high of 36°C and a heat index of 40°C.
Madison, Wisconsin recorded 38.3°C on Saturday. Minneapolis baked under a stifling heat index of 41.1°C. Sunday marked the second day of intense heat, and it's not cooling down anytime soon.
NYC Heatwave: 'It's going to be very sweaty'
Forecasters say this heatwave isn't just hot — it's wet and relentless. Stephanie Van Oppen of Fox Weather described the situation bluntly:
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'It's the type of air that feels like you're walking through a swimming pool. It clings to you, it's very sweaty.'
New York City is preparing for highs of 38.8°C on Tuesday, which may break records set 137 years ago. 'That's definitely dangerous for people to be out in for too long,' said Van Oppen. She added that feels-like temperatures could hit 40.5°C.
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NYC Primary election meets peak heat
The heat is expected to hit New York just as voters head to the polls on Tuesday for the Democratic mayoral primary. Older voters, who make up a key voting bloc, may stay home. Andrew Cuomo holds 42% support among those aged 50 and above, according to a Siena College and AARP poll.
Van Oppen advised voters to, 'Try to find a spot with shade as you wait to vote. I've seen a lot of people in the subway with personal fans, so that could be an option.'
Governor Kathy Hochul issued an 'extreme heat' warning and called the current heatwave the 'number one cause of weather-related death.'
'I cannot emphasise this enough: extreme heat can be deadly,' Hochul said. 'The best way to stay safe is stay indoors, with air conditioning. This is not the time to start training for the marathon.'
What's causing this heatwave in the US?
According to Jonathan Erdman of Weather.com, 'A dangerous, widespread heat wave will bake the central and eastern U.S., bringing the hottest temperatures of the year and uncomfortably muggy air to the Midwest and Northeast.'
The event started on June 20 in the Plains and has now spread across the Midwest, Great Lakes, and into the Ohio Valley, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Chad Merrill, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, said:
'The magnitude and longevity of this heat wave will be a shock to the system.'
In total, more than 200 million Americans are under heat alerts — one of the widest such events on record.
Heat risk expands Eastwards
New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Washington D.C. are all bracing for temperatures near or above 38°C by midweek. Boston could see highs approaching 37.7°C. The National Weather Service warned that overnight temperatures may not drop below 24°C in some places, denying any cooling respite.
'Triple-digit heat indices will be common through next week, with oppressive humidity,' the agency said.
According to CBS meteorologist Nikki Nolan, the mid-Atlantic and Northeast will remain in the grip of this system well into next week. Forecast maps show temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal in affected areas.
What counts as a heatwave and why it matters
The National Weather Service defines a heatwave as two or more days of unusually hot weather across a broad region. These events are especially dangerous when combined with high humidity and limited overnight cooling. Vulnerable groups, such as children, elderly people, and those without access to cooling systems, face the highest risk.
The CDC warns of symptoms like heavy sweating, cramps, nausea, dizziness, and headaches. If symptoms don't improve with rest and hydration, medical attention should be sought.
US Heatwave: How to stay safe and help others
The advice is simple, but crucial: stay inside during peak heat hours. Drink water regularly. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. If you don't have air conditioning, visit a public cooling centre. Malls and libraries across cities are now open to those needing relief.
Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes. Block out sun using curtains or reflectors. Take cold showers. Don't cook using stoves or ovens, which increase indoor heat.
Parents should keep children indoors during midday hours and ensure babies are in light clothing and well-hydrated. Check on elderly neighbours. And never leave pets in closed vehicles. Walk them only during early morning or late evening when pavements are cooler.
With energy usage soaring, authorities are monitoring for potential blackouts and power grid strain. Wildfires, sudden storms, and heat-related illness add to the complexity of the crisis. Cities are deploying emergency services and setting up temporary shelters for those at risk.
From Nebraska to New Jersey, the message is clear: this is not just a warm spell — it's a serious threat.