Fact Check: "Paterson held graduations on one of the hottest days of the year."
What We Know
On June 23, 2025, Paterson, New Jersey, held high school graduation ceremonies during a significant heat wave. Reports indicate that temperatures soared into the upper 90s, with the heat index reaching as high as 107 degrees Fahrenheit (CBS News, Weather.com). Due to the extreme conditions, several attendees suffered heat-related illnesses, leading to emergency medical responses at the venue. Specifically, five individuals were hospitalized for dehydration, and many more were treated on-site for various heat-related symptoms (CBS News, Weather.com). The situation became severe enough that officials had to cut short three of the four scheduled ceremonies due to health concerns (Weather.com).
Despite the extreme heat advisory issued by local authorities, the decision to hold the graduations at Hinchliffe Stadium was not publicly explained by the Paterson school district (CBS News). The city had previously advised residents to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during the heat wave (Weather.com).
Analysis
The claim that Paterson held graduations on one of the hottest days of the year is supported by multiple credible sources. Both CBS News and Weather.com reported on the extreme heat conditions during the graduation ceremonies, detailing the health emergencies that arose as a direct consequence of the weather (CBS News, Weather.com).
The reliability of these sources is high; CBS News is a well-established news organization known for its comprehensive coverage of local and national events, while Weather.com is a reputable source for weather-related news and updates. The reports from both outlets corroborate each other, providing consistent details about the event and its consequences.
Additionally, the heat wave was significant enough to prompt a state of emergency declaration by Paterson's mayor, indicating the severity of the situation (Weather.com). This further validates the claim that the graduations occurred under extreme heat conditions, as emergency measures were taken in response to the health risks posed by the weather.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Paterson held graduations on one of the hottest days of the year is accurate. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that the ceremonies took place during a severe heat wave, resulting in numerous heat-related illnesses among attendees and necessitating emergency medical responses.
