New England grappled with an unprecedented heatwave causing a spike in heat-related emergency department visits, as doctors warn of the dangers and prepare for continued warm weather ahead.
Last week, New England experienced a significant heatwave, leading to the highest rate of heat-related emergency department visits in the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
From Tuesday to Thursday, the region faced temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, resulting in a surge of individuals seeking emergency medical care. Ken Mahan, lead meteorologist at The Globe, noted that this level of heat is unusual for the Northeast, particularly in June.
Dr. Laurel O’Connor from UMass Memorial Health in Worcester reported an increase in heat-related illnesses, ranging from mild dehydration and fatigue to severe cases like heat stroke causing organ damage and neurological issues. Dr. Katelyn Sullivan of Tufts Medical Center echoed the observation, noting the recurring pattern of increased heat-related visits with the first significant heatwave each summer.
Emergency departments have been preparing for these spikes, conducting community outreach and ensuring access to cooling resources. Both doctors emphasized the need for caution to prevent heat-related and other summer-related injuries.
Meteorologist Mahan anticipates that the warm trend may continue over the summer, influenced by climate change and the transition from El Niño to La Niña, which affects weather patterns.