On Monday, June 23rd, intense heat disrupted two high school graduation ceremonies in Paterson, New Jersey, leading to dozens of heat-related illnesses and multiple hospitalizations.
Temperatures reached the upper 90s, but humidity pushed the heat index to a dangerous 107°F. Attendees, including students and families, were seated in open areas with little protection from the sun.
Emergency medical teams treated many on-site, while seven individuals were taken to the hospital after the second ceremony, where over 100 people required medical attention.
Paterson Public Schools Superintendent Laurie Newell said the district had prepared for the weather, providing water, ice, and cooling stations, along with on-site emergency personnel. Despite those measures, the heat overwhelmed several guests.
Following the incidents, Mayor André Sayegh declared a local state of emergency, canceling city recreational activities and directing residents to stay indoors. City libraries and other public facilities were designated as cooling centers.
The Paterson events occurred amid a broader heatwave affecting more than 150 million people across the U.S., from Maine to Texas. Authorities continue to urge the public to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and monitor for signs of heat exhaustion as temperatures are expected to ease later in the week.
