The sun rises behind the Manhattan skyline during high temperatures in Jersey City, New Jersey, US, on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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Millions of people across the world have been experiencing an unusual and unbearable hot and humid summer as temperatures have impacted various regions since the start of 2026.
New Jersey officials believe extreme heat may have contributed to 19 deaths reported since Thursday across the central and northern parts of the state.
What they’re saying:
New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill said it’s the hottest they’ve seen in over 14 years. “The heat’s hitting all of us, not just seniors, not just with underlying health conditions, people of all ages,” Sherrill said.
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The ‘heat dome’ is to blame
Air is hung over the region like a steaming toddy left on a hot stove.
A new weather phenomenon called a heat dome is to blame. It has led to the dangerously high temperatures that are affecting daily lives from working, outdoor activities and even the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Experts say the heat dome is a large area of high pressure that hovers above a region, trapping heat and humidity in that area.
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“The concept of a heat dome really means that the air in this region is so warm, and we know that warm air expands,” said Jennifer Francis, a climate scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center. “It basically means that the layers of the atmosphere are bulging upward as well.”
By the numbers:
Trenton reached 101 F, which broke a 100 F record set back in 1901.
Newark’s highways recorded 105 F last week.
Atlantic City saw highs of 103 F on Thursday, 105 F on Friday and 106 F Saturday, all record high.
Heat gives way to storms, power outages
Fortunately for many, temperatures did cool off as severe storms moved in with heavy winds that knocked down trees and utility poles, taking electricity to nearly one million customers in different parts of the country, according to PowerOutage.com.
Over 223,000 customers in Michigan alone lost power. Another 170,000 in Pennsylvania also saw stretches of the weekend without power. PPL in Pennsylvania says power went out for 121,417 on Sunday.
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