The heat wave holds more than 150 million Americans this weekend

Until now, one death has been attributed to high temperatures. Former 32-year-old NFL player Mitch Petrus fell ill while working out on Thursday during a heat advisory in Arkansas. He died of heat stroke, officials said.

The cities of Virginia and North Carolina will look some of the hottest of the season. New York, meanwhile, has opened nearly 500 cooling centers. And Mbadachusetts officials urge residents to wear loose clothing and be alert to the signs of heat stroke.

"Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside," said the service. "If possible, reprogram exhausting activities early in the morning, late at night."

In Philadelphia and New Jersey, the weather service warned that heat could cause heat stress or heat stroke. Older people and people with pre-existing conditions are the most at risk.

In Detroit, where locals will see a heat index of up to 105 degrees on Saturday, more than 200,000 people were not fed early in the morning after storms caused the lines to be destroyed by trees and trees. branches.

Saturday afternoon, food was restored, except about 70 000 people, officials said.

But the relief comes. A cold front will fall in the central United States and parts of the Midwest late Saturday, which will bring fresh air to the Midwest on Sunday, said CNN meteorologist Ivan Cabrera. The east coast will begin to cool Monday, Cabrera said.

Until then, city officials are taking precautions against the sweltering heat and preparing for what could be a deadly weekend.

Heat wave in the big apple

In New York – which declared an emergency – many events were canceled or postponed due to health concerns of participants.

Saturday's race card at the Saratoga Race Course in New York was canceled. It was the same for all races Saturday and Sunday at the Maryland Jockey Club in Laurel.

"The health and safety of our horses and jockeys is our highest priority," said Sal Sinatra, President and CEO of the Maryland Jockey Club.

"After exhausting all options to mitigate the exposure of athletes, volunteers, spectators and staff, we are not able to provide a safe experience or an alternative race weekend", have declared the organizers.

The city opens about 500 air-conditioned "cooling centers" in public facilities. The public pools had to be open an extra hour (until 8 pm) from Friday to Sunday. The city will install portable fountains in busy pedestrian areas until Sunday.

"Most incarcerated people are without air conditioning and the limited number of fans is only found in living rooms, leaving people choked, especially in their cells," said the organization. "DOC does not provide appropriate summer clothing to many of our clients, and people with medical needs report feeling nauseous and dizzy."

Peter Thorne, DOC's Deputy Information Commissioner, said in a statement that the health and safety of the detainees was "a top priority".

"In these fine times, we remain, as always, in close contact with Correctional Services, the ministry's health care provider," Thorne said in a statement.

Mayor Blasio tweeted Saturday that Brann "went to Rikers Island to monitor the reaction to the heatwave."

"Summer clothes have been distributed, clinics are open 24 hours a day and medical staff are on hand in case of emergency," the mayor tweeted. "DOC officials are on hand to monitor interventions and protect the health and safety of all occupants of the facility."

Protect your animals

According to the weather service, animals can die from heat stroke in less than 15 minutes. Cracking car windows are not going to help. Keep your pets at home in warm weather, said the service, and if you see an animal inside a car, do not leave without solving the problem.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends a large amount of fresh, clean water.

How climate change has played a role

Every year, the heat of summer kills an average of more Americans than any other natural disaster, said CNN meteorologist Cabrera.

Francesco Rocca, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, says the threat of heat waves will become increasingly serious around the world and spread as the climate crisis continues.

"Climate projections indicate that if greenhouse gas emissions continue on their current trajectory, by 2100, three out of four people on Earth could be subject to potentially high levels of heat and humidity. lethal at least 20 days a year, "says the report.