NPR News: 07-02-2026 12PM EDT

Lakshmi Singh· Host0:01

Live from NPR News, I'm Lakshmi Singh. An oppressive heat wave is triggering heat and extreme heat advisories for more than half of the American population. The alerts stretch from Eastern Kansas to New England and points south from Arkansas to Alabama. Steve Kasstenbaum reports on the heat's impact on New York City.

Steve Kastenbaum0:22

The high heat is already causing a strain on the power grid in the Northeast. In New York, the utility company reduced voltage in some neighborhoods. Mayor Zaran Mamdani.

Speaker 30:31

We are talking about a level of heat that this city has not seen in more than a decade.

Steve Kastenbaum0:35

The heat wave coincides with major events that are expected to draw out millions of people over the next few days, including two parades of tall ships and naval vessels.

Speaker 30:45

We will also host the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks on the evening of Saturday, July 4th. To cap off the weekend, the Brazil versus Norway FIFA World Cup match will take place on the afternoon of Sunday, July 5th.

Steve Kastenbaum0:57

Hundreds of cooling centers and drinking water stations have been opened to the public. For NPR News, I'm Steve Kastenbaum in New York.

Lakshmi Singh· Host1:04

The extreme heat's taking hold just as the FIFA World Cup enters the crucial knockout rounds. Stadiums are expected to employ more protection, such as increased access to cooling areas and water for spectators and staff. But enduring the brutal heat's a sacrifice many soccer fans are willing to make, especially if their team wins. [cheering] Fans at a watch party in Washington, DC celebrating