Record heat strains power grid and disrupts Fourth of July celebrations

A dangerous heat wave continues to grip the East Coast, bringing record temperatures, straining the power grid and forcing changes to some Fourth of July celebrations.

(CNN)- A dangerous heat wave continues to grip the East Coast, bringing record temperatures, straining the power grid and forcing changes to some Fourth of July celebrations.

In New York City, Central Park reached 100 degrees Thursday, tying the daily record high set in 1966. The prolonged heat also put added pressure on the electrical system. According to Con Edison’s outage map, more than 19,000 customers were without power Thursday evening, leaving many residents without air conditioning during the hottest part of the day.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged New Yorkers to help reduce demand on the power grid by setting air conditioners to 78 degrees and unplugging unnecessary appliances. The U.S. Department of Energy also directed data centers across the Mid-Atlantic to switch to backup generators to reduce stress on the electrical grid.

The extreme heat is also taking a toll on public safety. In Berks County, Pennsylvania, police said more than 100 people were treated for heat-related illnesses during an outdoor event, with dozens transported to hospitals.

Philadelphia declared a heat health emergency after temperatures reached 103 degrees Thursday, tying a record that has stood since 1901.

As the dangerous conditions continue, several communities across the region have canceled, postponed or modified Fourth of July events to protect residents from the extreme heat.