Heat-related illnesses have been on the rise in certain regions of the United States this week, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.). Areas such as New England, the Midwest, and the Mid-Atlantic have seen a significant increase in emergency room visits due to heat-related issues.
According to the C.D.C.’s heat and health tracker, regions like New England experienced a surge in heat-related illnesses, with emergency room visits reaching as high as 833 per 100,000 visits by Thursday. Cities like Boston and Hartford, Conn., saw record-breaking temperatures, with Caribou, Maine tying its highest recorded temperature at 96 degrees.
The Midwest also faced a high number of heat-related emergency room visits, peaking at 628 visits on Wednesday. Chicago set a record high of 97 degrees on Monday, contributing to the spike in illnesses.
Areas around New York and New Jersey also witnessed an increase in heat-related emergency room visits, reaching 459 visits on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. New York City experienced temperatures not seen in almost two years, with Central Park reaching 94 degrees on Friday.
The rise in heat-related illnesses is a concerning trend, especially as the number of heat-related deaths in the country has been increasing in recent years. In 2023, the C.D.C. recorded approximately 2,300 heat-related deaths, up from about 1,700 deaths in 2022 and 1,600 deaths in 2021.
Global warming has been identified as a major factor in the intensification of heat waves, making them hotter, more frequent, and longer-lasting. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat poses significant health risks, as the body becomes increasingly strained with each additional day of high temperatures.
While temperatures in New England have started to fall, parts of the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions are expected to continue experiencing high temperatures throughout the weekend. It is crucial for individuals in these areas to take precautions to protect themselves from the heat and stay hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses. Stay safe and stay cool during this heat wave.