Two outdoor graduation ceremonies in Paterson, New Jersey, were disrupted by a severe heatwave, leading to over 100 individuals requiring medical treatment, with some hospitalized. On Monday, the Paterson Fire Division reported treating about 50 people during the first high school graduation at Hinchliffe Stadium, with nine transported to local hospitals. A subsequent ceremony later that day resulted in around 100 individuals needing care, including seven sent to hospitals. Temperatures soared into the upper 90s, and the heat index reached 107 degrees.
Ceremonies featured graduates from several schools; however, only students from Eastside High School were able to walk the stage after others were canceled due to health concerns. Reports indicated that administrators distributed water bottles, but students like Ciarra Bailey from Rosa L. Parks School of Fine & Performing Arts expressed that the provided hydration was insufficient. She noted feelings of exhaustion and difficulty breathing throughout the event.
In response to the extreme heat conditions, Mayor André Sayegh declared a state of emergency on Monday evening, canceling all recreational activities and opening public libraries as cooling centers. The heatwave has significantly affected much of the eastern United States, with nearly 150 million people under heat alerts from Maine to Texas.
Paterson Public Schools did not comment on the situation as of Tuesday. The heatwave’s significant impact on health and safety during large public gatherings raised concerns and highlighted the need for better preparedness during extreme weather events.
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