East Coast endures fourth day of heat wave

NEW YORK - The East Coast on Tuesday was trying to get through a fourth, and hopefully final, straight day of broiling temperatures during a heat wave that has caused some early school dismissals and power outages.

In Philadelphia, an elderly woman and a middle-aged man died from heat-related medical conditions, officials said.

Thunderstorms promising relief from the heat for parts of the Northeast knocked out power Tuesday to 50,000 homes and businesses in upstate New York, and a tornado watch was posted there and in parts of neighboring states.

In New York City, forecasts predict temperatures around 96 degrees Tuesday, with the humidity index making it feel like 105 degrees.

Heat advisories are in effect from North Carolina to New Hampshire, and many schools that don't have air conditioning dismissed classes early for a second day.

In Delaware, agencies are asking people to donate fans and air conditioners for needy residents.

The operator of New England's power grid reported high electricity demand and a tight supply yesterday. There are expectations of a slightly tighter supply today in the six-state region.

On Monday, the soaring temperatures combined with a fire at an electrical facility in West Orange knocked out power to about 75,000 customers of Public Service Electric & Gas in Essex County. Power was restored to all customers affected by the incident shortly before 8:30 p.m., the utility said.

Mike Derer / AP Manuel Flores and his 2-year-old son, Anthony, rest in the shade of Branch Brook Park in Newark, N.J., on Monday.

New York City recorded a high of 99 on Monday as officials opened 300 cooling centers.

The heat and humidity were also oppressive in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

District of Columbia officials declared Monday and Tuesday Code Red days for poor air quality.

The heat has also been wearing down tourists in Washington, D.C. A woman outside an art museum Monday said, ”We’re going to get back on the Metro and go to the hotel and get into the pool.”

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