Američani na tleh: Problem se je pojavil pred praznovanjem dneva neodvisnosti

A severe heatwave has gripped parts of the United States ahead of major national holidays, prompting officials to urge residents to stay indoors as temperatures reach dangerous levels. The situation has become particularly concerning in cities such as New York City, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia, where the combination of high temperatures and humidity could create conditions where the perceived temperature approaches 48 degrees Celsius. This extreme weather event coincides with the upcoming Independence Day celebrations on July 4th and other public gatherings, including World Cup matches held outdoors.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings about the potential for dangerously high temperatures stretching from the Central West to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. According to forecasts, these areas could experience temperatures reaching approximately 38 degrees Celsius over several consecutive days. In particular, cities like Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City are expected to see heat indices climbing close to 48 degrees Celsius during the holiday weekend. The NWS has warned that this level of rare and prolonged heat poses significant risks for individuals without adequate cooling or sufficient hydration.

In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams has called on citizens to remain inside air-conditioned spaces whenever possible. The heatwave has raised additional concerns due to its overlap with large public events, including the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and World Cup matches played outdoors. In Washington D.C., temperatures could reach or exceed 38 degrees Celsius for four consecutive days—a scenario that has occurred only a handful of times in the city's history. As a result, police have announced that only essential personnel will be allowed to attend the opening concert for Independence Day.

President Donald Trump has stated he plans to address the public outdoors during the main Independence Day ceremony despite the high temperatures. Meanwhile, similar extreme heat conditions have also been recorded in Canada, where temperatures in Ontario are approaching 35 degrees Celsius, and warnings about high temperatures are in effect across much of Quebec, including Montreal and Quebec City. Meteorologists attribute the heatwave to a strong area of high atmospheric pressure known as a “heat dome,” which traps hot air over the central and eastern regions of the United States. Dry conditions in some parts of the northeastern U.S. further exacerbate the situation, as dry soil contributes to increased warming of the air.

Experts warn that heatwaves have become more frequent, intense, and prolonged in recent years due to climate change. Scientific estimates suggest that average global temperatures have risen by approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius compared to the pre-industrial era. Meteorological services predict a slight drop in temperatures along the northeastern coast of the U.S. during the holiday weekend, though there remains a possibility of severe thunderstorms. The convergence of extreme heat and major public events highlights the growing challenges posed by climate-related phenomena, requiring coordinated efforts to ensure public safety and mitigate health risks associated with rising temperatures.