NEW YORK, June 23, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - A potentially life-threatening heat wave 
hit the East Coast of the United States on Monday, with temperatures expected 
to climb to 40 degrees Celsius (104 F) in the New York metropolitan area.

The country's first significant heat wave of the year arrived over the 
weekend and peaked Monday in Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York 
City.

"This extreme heat will not just be uncomfortable and oppressive for New 
Yorkers," warned Mayor Eric Adams, adding that each year heat claims the 
lives of 500 people in this city of eight million.

"It's going to be brutal and dangerous if you do not treat it with the 
understanding that we want you to," he added.

As sweltering heat enveloped the city, authorities urged seniors, people with 
health problems and those without air conditioning to stay hydrated and seek 
help at designated cooling centers such as libraries and recreation 
facilities. 

"A strong upper-level ridge parked over the eastern half of the country will 
continue to generate an extremely dangerous heat wave this week," warned the 
National Weather Service.

"This level of HeatRisk is known for being rare and/or long duration with 
little to no overnight relief, and affects anyone without effective cooling 
and/or adequate hydration," the agency warned Monday.

The soaring temperatures come just as New Yorkers head to the polls Tuesday 
for the Democratic primary that will decide the party's mayoral candidate. 
This promises to be a hotly contested race between Andrew Cuomo, who is 
seeking political resurrection after resigning in disgrace as state governor 
in 2021, and rising left-wing star Zohran Mamdami.

Over the weekend Cuomo urged residents to cast their votes even if the 
temperatures hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

In Washington, the mayor's office also urged residents to take advantage of 
cooling centers.

Scientists say extreme heat waves are a clear sign of global warming, and 
they are expected to become more frequent, longer, and more intense.

Fueled by human-caused climate change, 2024 was the warmest year on record 
globally -- and 2025 is projected to rank among the top three.