The death toll from a prolonged and intense heat wave affecting the eastern United States has risen to at least 25, while nearly 156 million people across the eastern two-thirds of the country remain under heat advisories, excessive heat warnings, or other weather alerts, according to U.S. officials.

The extreme weather event, driven by a powerful high-pressure system commonly known as a "heat dome," has pushed temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) in numerous cities, including Washington, D.C., Norfolk, Virginia, and Raleigh, North Carolina. Combined with high humidity levels, the heat has created dangerous conditions across much of the region, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities.

Authorities reported that emergency services have been stretched by a surge in heat-related medical incidents as hospitals and healthcare providers continue to monitor vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

The impact of the heat wave was felt during the Salute to America 250 celebrations in Washington, D.C., marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. Emergency personnel and National Guard members treated numerous attendees suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration at the National Mall. Organizers temporarily suspended activities after local emergency management officials warned of approaching severe thunderstorms and urged participants to seek shelter.

In addition to the extreme heat, severe weather threatened large sections of the Midwest and East Coast. More than 72 million people were placed under severe thunderstorm watches as meteorologists warned of damaging wind gusts exceeding 105 kilometers per hour (65 miles per hour), large hail, and localized flash flooding.

Reports of storm-related damage emerged from parts of Nebraska and Iowa, where strong winds downed trees, damaged power lines, and caused scattered power outages. Utility companies in several states deployed emergency crews to restore electricity and assist affected communities.

New Jersey remains among the states hardest hit by the heat emergency. State health officials confirmed that suspected heat-related deaths had risen to 22, accounting for the majority of fatalities linked to the weather event. Most victims were adults between their 30s and 80s, with deaths reported across ten counties, primarily in central and northern New Jersey.

State Health Commissioner Raynard Washington said many victims were found inside homes without adequate air conditioning, while others were discovered outdoors or inside parked vehicles. Authorities have expanded emergency response measures, including distributing cooling equipment, opening additional cooling centers, and providing generators to healthcare facilities experiencing increased demand.

Public health agencies across several states have urged residents to limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, remain hydrated, check on elderly neighbors and family members, and seek air-conditioned environments whenever possible.

Forecasters say relief may soon arrive for some areas. The National Weather Service reported that a mass of cooler air moving southward from Canada is expected to weaken and gradually push the heat dome toward the south and west over the coming days. Temperatures in parts of the Northeast are forecast to moderate, although meteorologists caution that elevated humidity levels and unusually warm overnight temperatures could continue posing health risks.

Climate experts note that heat waves are becoming more frequent, longer-lasting, and more intense in many parts of the United States. The current event is among the most severe heat episodes of the year and has renewed concerns about the growing impact of extreme weather on public health, infrastructure, and energy systems.

As emergency agencies continue to monitor conditions, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant, follow weather advisories, and take precautions to protect themselves and vulnerable members of their communities from the ongoing heat threat. (ILKHA)