The eastern US is bracing for a sweltering spell, with New York City anticipated to reach near-100 degree Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) temperatures in the coming days. Coupled with humidity, it could feel like 43 degrees Celsius inside a dog’s mouth—surely not a pleasant prospect.

The National Weather Service has issued warnings and watches throughout the region, as daytime highs soar and overnight lows struggle to cool off. Mayor Mamdani urged New Yorkers to devise a heat plan, prioritizing air conditioning access and checking on vulnerable neighbors.

Richard Allan, a climate scientist from the University of Reading, notes that high humidity makes it harder for our bodies to sweat effectively, exacerbating the risk of heat-related illnesses. The warming due to rising greenhouse gases is intensifying these already extreme weather events, making them more frequent and intense.

The El Niño phenomenon, declared earlier this month, is also contributing to these soaring temperatures across the northern US and parts of Canada. With summer still in full swing, expect more scorching days ahead, whether you’re basking or battling the heat.