A scorching heat wave on Wednesday stretched from the Midwest to New England, causing millions of people to sweat through the Juneteenth holiday. This included areas like northern Maine, where such extreme conditions are rare for this time of year.
In the city of Caribou, Maine, just 10 miles from the Canadian border, the heat index reached a record 103 degrees Fahrenheit, combining heat and humidity. The region was under a heat advisory until Wednesday evening, and temperatures in Caribou exceeded those in Miami: 94 degrees compared to 89, according to the National Weather Service.
Many residents mentioned that they are accustomed to temperatures in the 70s and 80s in June and rarely experience such high humidity.
Hannah Embelton, 22, a server at an ice cream store in Caribou, commented, “I’ve only seen it this hot in June once before. Customers are avoiding the soft serve options because they melt too quickly.”
At Moose River Campground, about 13 miles from the border, owner Lisa Hall struggled with the intense heat, noting that such conditions are more typical in mid-July or early August.
The National Weather Service warned of dangerous temperatures peaking in the eastern Great Lakes and New England on Wednesday and Thursday. Heat index readings were expected to reach 100 to 105 degrees in many locations.
Kyle Pederson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boston, explained, “A ridge of upper-level high pressure is bringing heat from the southern United States, resulting in temperatures in the mid- to upper-90s and heat indexes over 100. The humidity and heat will make it feel even warmer outside.”
People were advised to limit outdoor activities and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors during the heat wave.
In New York, state parks offered free admission on Wednesday and Thursday, and select state-run pools and beaches opened early for swimming, according to Governor Kathy Hochul.
Anne-Laure Bonhomme, a 43-year-old health coach, visiting New York with her family, remarked, “The humidity is pretty intense.”
Authorities urged precautions to stay safe during the heat wave, as climate change is causing heat waves to last longer and affect more people. Meanwhile, wildfires erupted in various parts of California and New Mexico, while the central Gulf Coast faced a threat of heavy rain and flash flooding.
