A state of emergency was announced by the city’s mayor after more than 150 individuals became unwell due to the oppressive heat during a high school graduation ceremony in Paterson, New Jersey.

Dozens of high school graduation attendees had to be treated for heat-related illnesses at the ceremony, officials said.

According to Paterson Public Safety Director Jerry Speziale, at least five individuals were admitted to the hospital for dehydration as attendees gathered outside Hinchliffe Stadium on Monday morning.

Three of the four graduation ceremonies scheduled for Monday had to be cut short due to heat and health concerns.

Another woman was treated in an ambulance after suffering an asthma attack as temperatures soared into the high 90s.

One woman, who opted not to disclose her name, shared that medical personnel provided her with assistance including a breathing apparatus and recommended hospitalization, a suggestion she declined due to her desire not to miss her son’s graduation event.