The "Heat Dome" formed over the eastern United States is heating the ground surface, causing an early June heatwave across densely populated major cities in the eastern U.S. New York recorded its highest June temperature in 137 years, prompting authorities to issue a heat advisory. On June 23 (local time), the New York Times (NYT) reported that the temperature in Manhattan's Central Park reached 35.56 degrees Celsius during the day. This matches the record set on June 23, 1888. The heat is expected to continue the next day, and the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasted that the high in Central Park would reach 37.2 degrees Celsius on June 24.

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Some areas within New York City are expected to see temperatures rise as high as 38.89 degrees Celsius. In certain locations, the heat index could reach 43.3 degrees Celsius. New York City Mayor Eric Adams warned, "This heat is not simply uncomfortable or difficult to endure." He added that about 500 people die from heatwaves in New York each year, cautioning, "If we do not take this seriously, it can be fatal."

The NWS issued excessive heat warnings and advisories for about one-third of the eastern United States, including New York, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Boston. The agency stated that "about 160 million residents have been exposed to the heatwave," and cautioned, "Such prolonged and high-risk heatwaves that do not cool even at night are extremely rare, and anyone can be affected."

Not only in New York, but also in other East Coast regions with major cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C., the heatwave continued with temperatures approaching or exceeding 40 degrees Celsius on that day. The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings and advisories for about one-third of the eastern coastal United States, including these metropolitan areas. In addition, excessive heat warnings were issued for the Midwest, including northern Indiana and northwestern Ohio. The population affected by these heat warnings is estimated at about 160 million.

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As the record-breaking heatwave continues, both heat-related illnesses and casualties have been reported. Near the Midwestern city of St. Louis, local police stated that a 55-year-old woman was found dead in her home after spending more than three days without water or air conditioning as daytime highs exceeded 38 degrees Celsius. In Paterson, New Jersey, where the heat index soared to 41.7 degrees Celsius the previous day, local fire authorities reported that 16 people collapsed and were taken to the emergency room during outdoor graduation ceremonies at two high schools, and more than 150 people received treatment for heat-related illnesses. The National Weather Service predicted that the region would gradually move out of the record-breaking heatwave starting June 25, with temperatures returning to seasonal averages by June 27.

Meteorologists have identified the "Heat Dome" phenomenon, in which high pressure traps hot air and causes temperatures to rise continuously, as the cause of this heatwave. Temperatures are gradually rising each day, and the heat is accumulating as nighttime temperatures fail to drop. Experts have warned that such extreme heatwaves are clear evidence of global warming and cautioned that they may occur more frequently and last longer in the future.