Heat Wave Across the U.S. Kills Dozens, with New Jersey at 25 Fatalities

A scorching heat wave sweeping the eastern and central United States has killed more than 20 people in the past week, with New Jersey reporting 25 heat-related deaths since July 2. Victims ranged from their 30s to 80s, many found in unair conditioned homes or outdoors. Other incidents include a 74-year-old man in Mississippi and numerous heat illnesses at a Pennsylvania event and in Washington, DC. Officials warn the death toll is preliminary as the East eases slightly with the heat dome shifting, while a new dome may push extreme heat to the West and trigger severe storms through July 7.