At least 19 deaths in the state of New Jersey, in the northeastern United States, can be attributed to the heat wave that has been affecting the eastern part of the country for several days, an official said Saturday.

“We now have 19 deaths that are suspected to be heat-related across the state,” said Reynard Washington, the state’s health commissioner, during a press conference.

The National Weather Service (NWS) had reported that approximately 160 million Americans live in areas for which warnings had been issued for high to extremely high temperatures as the U.S. prepared to celebrate July 4th.

Authorities had advised the public to avoid going outside, to check in on neighbors, to drink more water than usual, and to seek out an air-conditioned space if they do not have air conditioning at home.

Around the world, heat waves are becoming more intense and more frequent due to climate change, which is caused primarily by the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas.

The historic heat wave that recently struck much of Europe is a prime example.

Source: CNN.gr