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Juneteenth Holiday Approaches Amid Extreme Heat Predictions for Central and Northeast US
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New York, June 18 :
On June 17, meteorologists from the National Weather Service warned that a huge portion of the country might be in for several days of record-breaking heat as a high-pressure system moved over the country. This could impact the eastern and central regions of the US.

According to National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Orrison, around 80 million people are currently under a heat advisory or warning. The predicted high temperatures will exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 degrees Celsius) and approach 100 degrees in certain regions, which is 20 degrees higher than usual for this time of year.

On the eve of Juneteenth, a national holiday commemorating the abolition of slavery in the United States in 1865, the country braces itself for a heat wave. Although it was officially recognised as a federal holiday in 2021, Black Americans, particularly those residing in Texas, have long observed the day by partaking in outdoor celebrations such as barbecues.

The government is urging the public to drink plenty of water, avoid hot weather activities, and dress lightly. The humidity makes the temps feel much hotter, which is not taken into account in the temperatures.

The National Weather Service warned that portions of New England, Ohio, and Indiana could experience heat indexes in the triple digits.

New York City's disaster management and health agencies issued a joint statement on June 18 that announced the opening of cooling centres and issued a warning that extreme heat is a "silent killer." The greatest vulnerability is observed in the elderly, small children, those with preexisting diseases, and pregnant women. Another city that has announced the opening of cooling centres is Chicago.

Due to the rapid heating effect of sunlight within a vehicle, which can cause vehicular heatstroke, the NWS issued a warning against leaving children and pets unattended in vehicles. High temperatures will likely persist into the weekend.