Unusually high temperatures are breaking decades-old records in several US cities this week as a heatwave sweeps across central and northeastern states, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). New York Governor Kathy Hochul has activated the Emergency Operations Center due to the heatwave, expected to last through the weekend, affecting nearly 80 million people from Indiana to Maine.

Twenty-four hours after temperatures in Syracuse, New York reached 34.4°C, the highest for this time of year since 1994, Governor Kathy Hochul warned of the potentially deadly heatwave. She noted that while the state has faced blizzards, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes, this heatwave could cause more deaths. Beaches and public pools will open early for residents seeking relief, especially with the Juneteenth holiday tomorrow, offering a chance for people to cool off.

In Chicago, the maximum temperature reached 36.1 degrees Celsius at O’Hare International Airport, breaking the record of 35.5 degrees set in 1957.

Over the next 24 hours, Detroit and Philadelphia, along with several areas in New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Maine, are forecasted to record record-breaking temperatures for this time of year, warned meteorologist Mark Senard.

Michigan’s governor urged citizens to look after their neighbors, especially the elderly who are more vulnerable during heatwaves. “Make sure they are doing well,” emphasized Gretchen Whitmer.