WASHINGTON – Record-breaking heat and oppressive humidity made people across the eastern half of the country miserable Wednesday and sent tourists in the nation’s capital scrambling for relief in the cool marble halls of Capitol Hill.
Others forced to work outdoors guzzled icy drinks to cope with the heat wave that has sent temperatures soaring over 100 across the East and parts of the Midwest.
“This is unbelievable,” said Bob Garner, a tourist from Atlanta who retreated with his family into the air-conditioned comfort of the Capitol. “They get the hottest days of the year while we’re here.”
The temperature at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday was 99, with a heat index of 106. It was even hotter on the steaming pavement downtown. In New York, the temperature rose to 102 at LaGuardia Airport and 96 in Central Park. Philadelphia and Baltimore climbed into the high 90s.
The National Weather Service posted heat advisories and warnings from Maine to Oklahoma. Forecasters said the heat would linger until tonight, when a cool front was expected to bring temperatures down into the 80s.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the city was fortunate that no fatalities were linked to the brutal weather. Subway riders were in for a sweltering commute – the temperature was about 111 at a Pennsylvania Station platform.
The city’s electric utility, Con Edison, set its second record in two days for peak electricity demand, surpassing the level from a day earlier. The Long Island Power Authority also set a record.
The Dixie Chicks postponed their Wednesday night show at the outdoor Jones Beach Theater on Long Island because of the scorching heat.
Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia hoisted black flags at gymnasiums and ports to caution sailors against doing strenuous exercise outdoors.
In Boston, animals at the Franklin Park Zoo were kept cool with sprinklers and frozen treats. The African wild dogs and lions got frozen blood; the primates received frozen fruit juice.
“It’s a matter of taste, I guess,” zoo President John Linehan said.
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