Intense heat transfer hits New York and the I-95 region, while the FBI initiates probes into the lethal New Mexico wildfires.
• Sweltering Temperatures Overwhelm Much of U.S.: Over a hundred million Americans are under heat advisories, warnings, and watches through the weekend in vast regions of the Northeast and Southwest, as per the National Weather Service. As the heat intensifies and moves southward over the weekend, broad regions around Washington, DC could experience temperatures reaching the high 90s and even exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If Washington, DC hits the 100-degree mark, it would be the first instance since August 2016. New York City might experience 90-degree temperatures or higher for seven consecutive days next week, which would set a new June record.
• Record-breaking Temperatures: Manchester, New Hampshire hit 99 degrees on Thursday, breaking its daily record and just falling short of its all-time June record. Hartford, Connecticut reached 98 degrees, surpassing its old daily record of 97 degrees set in 2012. In Maine, Augusta hit 97 degrees, Bangor reached 96 degrees, and Portland reached 94, shattering their respective daily records. Scranton, Pennsylvania hit 95 degrees, tying its 1953 record. Northern New England will experience a brief respite on Friday, with temperatures not surpassing the 70s and low 80s in much of northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. A few new daily temperature records are expected in the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic on Friday, and temperatures will remain significantly above average, reaching the low to mid-90s.
• Heat Waves Hinder Firefighting Efforts in California: California is currently experiencing elevated temperatures, with some areas reaching triple digits. A heat advisory has been issued in parts of central California through Saturday night, including Colusa County, where firefighters are battling the Sites Fire, now spanning over 19,100 acres. The anticipated temperatures between 100 and 106 degrees could hamper firefighting operations. The heatwave is expected to peak on Saturday and continue through Tuesday, posing an increased wildfire risk. California's fire season has started unusually early this year, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Since the start of the year, 89,784 acres have been burned, compared to 5,747 acres during the same period last year.
• Wildfires in New Mexico Claim Lives and Property: In New Mexico, at least two lives have been lost, 1,400 structures have been destroyed, and more than 8,000 residents have been evacuated due to wildfires. The South Fork and Salt fires have together scorched an estimated 23,406 acres and remain uncontrolled as of Friday morning. Evacuation orders are still in effect for residents of the Village of Ruidoso and City of Ruidoso Downs, and additional orders have been issued in at least seven more areas. New Mexico Rep. Gabe Vasquez has described the wildfires devastating the state as one of its “most severe.”
• FBI Join Investigation on New Mexico Fires: The FBI has stepped in to help identify the cause of wildfires in New Mexico, with special agents now part of the investigation, according to the agency's Albuquerque field office. President Joe Biden is keeping a close eye on the wildfires in New Mexico, and the administration has granted an expedited major disaster declaration to New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, providing additional federal support and aid to affected communities.
• Storm Alberto Floods Coastal Texas: Tropical Storm Alberto made landfall near Tampico, Mexico on Thursday, causing storm surge flooding along the Texas coast. Homes were surrounded by water as the storm surge from Alberto inundated the coastal town of Surfside Beach in Texas. A storm surge of 3.5 feet was reported in Corpus Christi, and search and rescue crews were deployed around the North Beach community with high-water vehicles and boats.
• Storm Looms Off Florida Coast: The National Hurricane Center has suggested a 50% chance that a storm system in the Atlantic will develop into a tropical depression within the following 48 hours. The system is expected to approach the northeastern Florida or Georgia coast early on Friday. Interested parties in these areas should monitor the system's progress. CNN’s Eric Zerkel, Brandon Miller, Taylor Ward, Sara Tonks and Josh Campbell contributed to this report.
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Despite the ongoing FBI investigation into the causes of the New Mexico wildfires, the fires continue to ravage the area, with at least two lives lost, thousands of structures destroyed, and thousands of residents evacuated. The heatwave in California is also proving to be challenging for firefighters, with some areas reaching triple digits and a heat advisory issued in parts of central California.
