September 7, 2023

Official heat wave hits New York City as cities across US see dangerous temps

WATCH: Heat wave causes chaos as millions start school

A dangerous, record-breaking heat wave is baking the East Coast, prompting heat emergencies from Washington, D.C., to Boston.

New York City reached 92 degrees in Central Park on Thursday, marking an official heat wave for the city with its third straight day in the 90s.

In Pittsburgh, many schools shifted to remote learning due to the heat. In Philadelphia, schools without air conditioning are dismissing students early all week.

Gary Hershorn/ABC News
A person walks his dog along the Hudson River as the sun rises behind the skyline of midtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building in New York City, Sept. 7, 2023.
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On Thursday, 19 states from Maine to California are on alert for extreme heat.

Temperatures could climb to a scorching 106 degrees in Dallas; 97 degrees in Raleigh, North Carolina; and 96 in Washington, D.C.

The extreme, record-breaking heat will continue on the East Coast through Thursday and then the region will be cooled down by storms and heavy rain.

This weekend, the heat will concentrate on the Southeast and the Southwest, with record highs possible from Florida to Arizona.

MORE: Earth records the hottest 3 months ever on record

Click here to learn what you need to know to stay safe in the heat.

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A dog cools off in a fountain in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on a hot summer evening, Sept. 5, 2023 in New York City.