U.S. Heat Wave Endangers Millions, Including 2 Million Dominican Residents

A severe heat wave is sweeping the United States, with temperatures projected to reach near‑record highs. New York City issued a red alert as forecasts call for up to 107 °F (42 °C) and heat‑index readings above 111 °F (44 °C). The storm affects roughly 238 million people—about 70 % of the population—across the Northeast, Mid‑Atlantic, Midwest and parts of the South.

More than two million Dominican nationals living in the U.S. East and Central regions are among those at risk, especially older adults and those with chronic health conditions. Authorities advise lightweight clothing, ample hydration, and immediate cooling for heat‑stroke symptoms.

The extreme temperatures also strain infrastructure. The Energy Department has ordered large electricity users, including data centers, to deploy emergency generators to protect the grid from outages. The heat wave follows a similar deadly event that recently hit Europe, highlighting the growing public‑health and energy‑system challenges of extreme weather.