A powerful heat wave has claimed at least 25 lives across the eastern United States as extreme temperatures and severe storms disrupted Independence Day celebrations during one of the country’s busiest holiday weekends. Officials said nearly 156 million people remained under heat alerts as temperatures exceeded 38 degrees Celsius in several major cities, prompting widespread emergency responses and public safety warnings.
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According to the National Weather Service, dangerous heat continued affecting large parts of the eastern two-thirds of the country, with Washington, DC, Norfolk, and Raleigh among the hardest-hit locations. Emergency officials warned that high humidity and unusually warm overnight temperatures increased health risks, particularly for older adults, children, and people with underlying medical conditions.
Meanwhile, the severe weather also disrupted nationwide Independence Day events celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. In Washington, emergency workers and National Guard personnel treated numerous people for heat-related illnesses during the “Salute to America 250” celebrations. Authorities also suspended activities at the National Mall after thunderstorms approached and had earlier canceled the city’s Independence Day parade because of dangerous weather conditions.
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In addition to the intense heat, more than 72 million people remained under severe thunderstorm watches as forecasters warned of damaging winds exceeding 105 kilometers per hour and large hail. Storms caused damage in parts of Nebraska and Iowa, while weather officials said cooler air moving south from Canada should gradually ease temperatures across the Northeast over the coming days.
New Jersey recorded the highest number of suspected heat-related deaths, with authorities reporting 22 fatalities across 10 counties involving victims ranging from their thirties to eighties. Health officials said many victims were found inside homes without air conditioning, while others were discovered outdoors or inside parked vehicles. Emergency services continue urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, and seek air-conditioned shelters as dangerous weather conditions persist.