NPR News: 07-01-2026 5AM EDT

Speaker 10:00

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Windsor Johnston· Host0:15

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. A dangerous heat wave is spreading from the Midwest to the East Coast just as millions of Americans prepare for the Fourth of July holiday. Forecasters say temperatures could climb into the upper nineties and lower one hundreds in parts of the Northeast, with high humidity pushing the heat index even higher. Steve Kastenbaum reports that New York City could see its hottest Independence Day in more than a decade.

Steve Kastenbaum0:45

With temperatures expected near or above one hundred degrees over the next few days, Mayor Zoram Mamdani put the city's heat emergency plan into effect.

Speaker 4· Soundbite0:54

If the forecast holds, this could be the hottest Fourth of July since twenty ten.

Steve Kastenbaum0:59

The dangerous heat comes at a busy time in New York, with World Cup crowds here, dozens of tall ships parading in Sail 250 on Friday and Saturday, and the Fourth of July fireworks show, which usually draws millions of people.

Speaker 4· Soundbite1:12

It is of immense concern given that too often the heat is something that is underestimated.

Steve Kastenbaum1:17

The city is opening dozens of cooling centers and setting up drinking water stations. The mayor urged New Yorkers to look out for folks who seem like they're struggling in the heat. For NPR News, I'm Steve Kastenbaum in New York.