Record Heatwave Sweeps Eastern US

A record-breaking heatwave continued to grip the eastern United States on Wednesday, forcing schools to close early, shift to remote learning, and implement emergency measures as temperatures soared across major cities.

The extreme heat marked a second consecutive day of unusually high temperatures across the eastern US, with millions of residents affected from the Mid-Atlantic region to New England.

According to the US National Weather Service, another day of record temperatures was expected before cooler air and rainfall arrive later in the week.

In Philadelphia, school authorities moved students in 57 schools to remote learning due to dangerously high temperatures inside classrooms, while some pupils in other districts were sent home early.

Record temperatures were also reported on Tuesday in several northeastern cities, including Portland, where temperatures reached 92°F (33°C), and Boston, which recorded 96°F (35.5°C).

Heat warnings remained in effect across parts of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island through Wednesday evening.

In New York City, officials opened cooling centres to help residents cope with the dangerous conditions, particularly vulnerable groups including elderly people and those without access to air conditioning.

The early-season heatwave has renewed concerns over the growing impact of extreme weather events linked to climate change, as authorities across the region continue to monitor public health risks and pressure on infrastructure.