Several people attending an outdoor high school graduation ceremony in New Jersey during the widespread heat wave in the U.S. were taken to the hospital, while dozens more were treated at the scene, according to officials.
On Monday, June 23, nine people were taken to the hospital by emergency medical technicians, while 50 others declined hospital care and were treated on site at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, said Fire Department Chief Alex Alicea according to the Bergen Record, a part of the USA TODAY Network.
Paterson is about 20 miles northwest of New York City.
Graduates were in folding chairs on the turf, while family members and other attendees sat in the grandstand with little shade.
Graduates sit during the Paterson Public Schools graduation at Hinchliffe Stadium, Jun 23, 2025, Paterson, New Jersey.
On Monday, temperatures in the area rose to the upper 90s and the heat index reached 107 degrees, according to the Weather Channel.
Record breaking: Dangerous heat wave strains power grid, millions warned of triple-digit temperatures
Event stopped for safety
During a second ceremony later in the day, 100 people required treatment, while seven more were taken to the hospital, NBC News reported.
Seven more high school graduations were planned at the stadium, but were rescheduled due to the weather, the Bergen Record reported.
Graduates sit during the Paterson Public Schools graduation at Hinchliffe Stadium, Jun 23, 2025, Paterson, New Jersey.
Sweltering heat continues
Tens of millions of Americans in the Eastern U.S. continue to face the heat wave.
Along the edges of the heat dome impacting the country, thunderstorms known as a “ring of fire” cropped up, according to forecasters. The severe thunderstorms could bring damaging wind gusts and hail to states on the outskirts of the dome, including parts of the Carolinas, Southeast and mid-Mississippi Valley, according to the Storm Prediction Center.
‘Ring of fire’: Storms threaten edges of massive heat dome
National heat index map: See which states feel hottest
The map embed below identifies areas where the heat index is forecasted to reach NWS-defined levels from “Caution” (80 degrees Fahrenheit) to “Extreme Danger” (above 125 degrees).
Heat index measures how hot it actually feels when factoring for humidity. Prolonged exposure to a heat index above 80 degrees can lead to fatigue, as previously reported by USA TODAY. As it gets hotter, the risk continues to increase − potentially resulting in heat stroke or even death. Older adults, children, and outdoor workers are generally at higher risk of heat-related incidents.
How to stay safe during extreme heat
People facing extreme heat should do the following, according to NWS:
Stay in an air-conditioned room
Check up on relatives and neighbors
Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles
Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing outdoors
Limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
Extreme heat can have a negative impact on people’s health.
“Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events,” according to the National Weather Service.
The following factors increase the possibility of a heat-related illness, according to the National Park Service:
Age: Infants, young children and people over 65 are more susceptible to heat illness
Prescription drug and alcohol use
What are the symptoms of heatstroke?
There are multiple forms of heat illnesses, but heatstroke is the deadliest and most dangerous, according to the NPS.
The following are symptoms of heatstroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Body temperature of 103 degrees or higher
Skins that is hot, red, dry or damp
In the case of heatstroke, the CDC recommends people do the following:
Move the person suffering from heatstroke to a cool location
Lower the person’s body temperature with a cool cloth or bath
Do not give the person suffering from a heatstroke water or anything to drink
Contributing: Joe Malinconico, Paterson Press; Doyle Rice, Jeanine Santucci and staff, USA TODAY
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Graduation ceremonies in New Jersey impacted by heat, dozens treated
