WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — A brutal heat wave over the United States (US) Midwest and Atlantic coast has been linked to at least 19 deaths in the state of New Jersey, officials said. "We are now up to 19 suspected heat-related deaths across the state," New Jersey Health Commissioner Raynard Washington told a press conference Saturday. "Unfortunately, many of these individuals were found in homes without air conditioning, a few were outside their residences, some on the street and some even in parked cars," he added.