TRENTON, N.J. — At least 19 deaths in New Jersey are suspected to be linked to several days of extreme heat, state officials said, as a prolonged heat wave eased and severe thunderstorms swept across parts of the eastern United States.
New Jersey health officials said they began identifying what they believe are heat-related deaths as early as Thursday, with most occurring in central and northern parts of the state. The deaths remain under investigation, and officials said final determinations will be made by medical examiners.
“Unfortunately, many of these individuals were found in homes without air conditioning,” New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard Washington told reporters. Others were discovered outdoors, on streets, or inside parked vehicles, according to the state.
Governor Mikie Sherrill described the period as the state's hottest stretch in more than 14 years, warning that the dangerous conditions affected people of all ages, not only older adults or those with underlying health conditions. Record temperatures were reported in several locations, including Newark, Trenton and Atlantic City during the multi-day heat event.
Meteorologists said a persistent heat dome produced exceptionally high daytime temperatures, elevated humidity and unusually warm overnight conditions, limiting opportunities for the body to recover from prolonged heat exposure.
As cooler air moved into the region, powerful thunderstorms brought damaging winds that toppled trees and power lines, leaving hundreds of thousands of utility customers without electricity across multiple eastern and central U.S. states. Forecasters also warned of additional heavy rain and possible flash flooding in parts of the Northeast.
Officials said investigations into the suspected heat-related deaths remain ongoing, and the number of fatalities could change as additional cases are reviewed.
