US heat wave kills dozens during 250th anniversary weekend

The heat wave that gripped much of the United States over the weekend of the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations killed more than two dozen people across the East Coast, Southeast and Southwest.

In New Jersey, at least 29 people are estimated to have died as a result of the heat wave, according to the state’s Department of Health. The deaths were reported across 10 counties, and officials say most of the



victims were found in homes without air conditioning.

New Jersey Health Commissioner Raynard Washington said at a news conference on Saturday that the victims were not just elderly, but also included some younger adults. “Extreme heat is the number one weather-related killer in America, and this is the hottest stretch we’ve seen in over 14 years,” New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said at the same news conference.