Humans Swelter but Koala Plays It Cool in Heat Wave

A lingering heat wave that sent temperatures near 100 in New York City, the Lower Plains and central Texas boosted the allure of beaches and pools Saturday but marred the debut of Kupala the koala.

“The Philadelphia weather is not bothering him, but it is bothering our guests,” said Philadelphia Zoo spokeswoman Milly Hudgins, who said that attendance at the zoo was down. Kupala’s private, air-conditioned exhibit was regulated at 74 degrees, compared to about 95 outside.

With blistering temperatures showing no signs of easing, keeping cool has become an obsession in the East.

Officials in Albany, N.Y., said they will ask state workers to stop using electric fans that have appeared on desks since air conditioning was cut back to save electricity.

Temperatures entered the 80s before dawn in some parts of the Northeast.

Scattered thunderstorms were reported in parts of North Dakota, Florida and Arizona, the National Weather Service said.

Today’s forecast was for the low-pressure system hanging over the northern part of the nation to bring continued heat and humidity.

For the fourth day in a row, an ozone warning was issued for New York City, where the temperature hit 100 degrees. The last time the city recorded a three-digit temperature was July 21, 1980, when the mercury reached 102.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation urged residents to limit outdoor activity and use of cars, which produce ozone.

The demand for power in the city and suburban Westchester County was the highest ever for a Saturday, Consolidated Edison spokeswoman Pat Richardi said.

The temperature at Washington National Airport reached 98 degrees by the afternoon, and humidity raised the so-called heat index to 106, the weather service said.

In northern Maryland, the heat created extreme drought for the first time since 1988, weather analysts said. Thunderstorms could bring relief Tuesday, but until then, temperatures are forecast in the mid-90s or higher each day with no rain.

Late-planted corn and soybeans are becoming stunted in parts of Baltimore County, said county extension agent Mike Bazley.