Scorching Spring Heat Wave Leaves Many States Hot and Bothered

A spring heat wave sizzled from Texas to New England on Monday, stressing utilities as residents cranked up air conditioners for a second or third day.

The afternoon high in New York’s Central Park was 91, tying a record from 1936. The American Red Cross handed out about 15,000 bottles of water on Sunday and Monday.

Power companies in the mid-Atlantic region urged customers to conserve electricity as temperatures peaked above 90, well over usual spring readings in the 70s, the National Weather Service said.

Authorities in many areas issued warnings about heat stroke and air quality, with few problems reported.

Temperatures in Texas first rose on Friday and reached afternoon highs Monday of 100 in Abilene and 99 in Mineral Wells, Wink and San Angelo.

Relief could come as early as today, but it won’t be soon enough for the residents of the Cape May County Park and Zoo on the New Jersey coast. Zookeepers scurried around to help their charges in 90-degree heat. “They definitely don’t like the heat, especially happening this early in the season,” zookeeper Sheri Hickok said.