Amtrak has canceled more than two dozen trains in the Northeast corridor as a dangerous and prolonged heat wave grips more than two dozen states across the Midwest, South, and East Coast. The extreme temperatures, which began in the Midwest earlier in the week, are forecast to continue into the Fourth of July holiday weekend, impacting holiday travel plans.

The widespread heat wave brings prolonged extreme heat, with heat index values soaring. On Thursday, the "feels like" temperature reached 110 degrees Fahrenheit in Philadelphia and 111 degrees in Washington, D.C. New York City's heat index hit 106 degrees, with the actual temperature in Central Park reaching 100 degrees – the first triple-digit day there since 2012.

In response to the dangerous conditions, New York City activated its heat emergency plan and opened hundreds of cooling centers. Officials are also urging residents to conserve power. New York Governor Kathy Hochul advised setting air conditioning units between 75-78 degrees and avoiding unnecessary appliance use to reduce demand on the energy grid.

Forecasters predict the heat wave will persist through the weekend. On Friday, the Northeast will continue to experience high heat index values, with forecasts reaching 104 degrees in Boston, 109 in New York, 111 in Philadelphia, and 113 in Washington, D.C. Even overnight, the heat provides minimal relief, exacerbating the danger.

For the Fourth of July holiday on Saturday, the Northeast is still expected to feel like the triple digits. The heat index is forecast to reach 102 degrees in New York and 108 degrees in Washington, D.C. By Sunday and Monday, the intense heat and humidity are expected to shift and settle over the Southeast, with Raleigh, North Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, potentially feeling like 107 degrees.

Extreme heat is identified as the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 13,000 Americans have died from heat-related causes since 2018.

Health officials are providing safety tips to help the public cope with the dangerous temperatures, emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated, seeking cool environments, and recognizing the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

The extended period of extreme heat and its impact on critical infrastructure, such as rail transport and the power grid, highlights the growing challenges posed by severe weather events.