Record temperatures expected in parts of US and Canada
- Published
A heat wave is sweeping across parts of the US and Canada - affecting over 160 million people as temperatures climb to record-breaking levels.
A heatwave is when the weather stays much hotter than usual for several days in a row.
The hot weather is being felt in US states such as New Jersey and New York. But also in parts of Canada such as Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.
- Published5 September 2023
- Attribution
Some residents in Queens, New York open a fire hydrant to spray cool water on their streets as the temperatures hit 99F (37C) in Manhattan
The heatwave started less than a week after summer officially began, and it could break heat records for the month of June in many places.
In New York City, temperatures could reach 101°F (38°C). That's the hottest in June since 1966.
In Paterson, New Jersey, the city's mayor called a state of emergency on Monday because of the heat, which means extra help and safety rules were put in place.
Along the East Coast, hundreds of people have become ill due to the high temperatures.
In high temperatures like this, it is easier to get heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which are serious heat-related illnesses.
People have been advised to stay out of the sun during the hottest times of day, lots of water, and to check on vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those with health issues made worse by high temperatures.
A man cools his pet dog with water during the hot weather
One reason this heatwave is particularly a concern is because of high humidity levels.
Humidity is the amount of water vapour (tiny water droplets) in the air. When humidity is high, the air feels hotter and stickier. This makes it harder for our bodies to cool down by sweating.
Even at night, the temperatures aren't dropping much. In some cities, temperatures have stayed above 80°F (27°C).
Energy companies are asking people to save electricity. With many north American homes and offices using air conditioning - all at the same time - there are concerns it could cause power cuts.