At least 25 people are suspected dead in New Jersey following a multi-day heat wave that pushed temperatures into record territory across the state over the Fourth of July weekend.
State officials said Saturday that heat-related deaths began appearing as early as Thursday, with most occurring in central and northern New Jersey. Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard Washington told reporters that many victims were found in homes without air conditioning. “A few were outside their residences, some on the street and some even in parked cars,” he said.
Governor Mikie Sherrill called it “the hottest stretch we’ve seen in over 14 years,” adding that the heat was affecting people of all ages and health.
The numbers back her up. Trenton hit 101 degrees Thursday, breaking a record set in 1901. Newark reached a sweltering 105. Atlantic City climbed to 103 on Thursday, 105 on Friday, and 106 on Saturday—the hottest of any city on the East Coast over the holiday weekend. Preliminary data show that Atlantic City and at least a dozen other cities broke or tied daily high-temperature records on July 4.
Bryan Jackson, a meteorologist with NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center, noted that overnight lows offered little relief, according to Associated Press. “The low Friday morning in Atlantic City was 80,” he said. “The body can’t recover as well. You just have that multiple-day buildup and too much added stress on the body.”
The heat gave way to severe storms over the weekend. Governor Sherrill said wind gusts of up to 80 mph downed trees and power lines, knocking out electricity to nearly 300,000 utility customers in New Jersey. Nationally, about 900,000 customers were without power as of Sunday afternoon, according to PowerOutage.com.
The Governor’s Office has an active extreme heat warning on its website, directing residents to limit outdoor activities and stay hydrated. To find a cooling center near you, call 2-1-1 or visit nj211.org.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.