The heat wave has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, including older adults, individuals without access to air conditioning, and those experiencing homelessness. In New Jersey, victims ranged in age from their mid-30s to their 80s, with many found in homes without air conditioning or in parked cars. The extreme heat posed significant public health risks, exacerbated by power outages caused by storms late Friday, which may have contributed to some fatalities. The New Jersey Department of Health emphasized the importance of heat safety measures during such extreme weather events.