By Smartencyclopedia & Agencies
USA – Approximately 130 million people across the United States are facing a record-breaking heatwave that has already shattered temperature records and is expected to continue wreaking havoc from the Pacific Northwest to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions well into next week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Jacob Asherman, a meteorologist with the NWS, reported that oppressive heat and humidity are set to drive temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 degrees Celsius) in parts of Oregon, California, and several Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states.
In Oregon, cities such as Eugene, Portland, and Salem are expected to set new records. Meanwhile, across the nation, millions are seeking refuge from the intense heat in cooling centers, from Bullhead City, Arizona, to Norfolk, Virginia.
“Certainly a pretty anomalous event that we’re expecting here, which looks like it will continue through at least midweek,” Asherman stated.
West Coast Scorcher
The heatwave’s impact has been particularly severe in the West. On Friday, Death Valley, California, set a new heat record of 127 degrees Fahrenheit (52.8 degrees Celsius), surpassing the previous mark by 5 degrees. Temperatures there are expected to reach 129 degrees Fahrenheit (53.8 degrees Celsius) on Sunday and potentially 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54.4 degrees Celsius) through Wednesday. These predictions approach the hottest temperature ever officially recorded on Earth: 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.67 degrees Celsius) in Death Valley in July 1913, though this record is disputed, with some experts citing 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54.4 degrees Celsius) in July 2021 as the true peak.
In Phoenix, Arizona, a new high of 118 degrees Fahrenheit (47.7 degrees Celsius) was recorded, with temperatures of 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46.1 degrees Celsius) or hotter forecasted through Wednesday. Needles, California, hit 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius), narrowly breaking the previous record of 121 degrees Fahrenheit (49.4 degrees Celsius) set in 2007. Palm Springs, California, recorded a scorching 124 degrees Fahrenheit (51.1 degrees Celsius).
Eastern U.S. Braces for Heat
The Eastern United States is also preparing for extreme temperatures. Baltimore and other parts of Maryland are under an excessive heat warning, with heat index values potentially reaching 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius). The NWS has advised residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned environments, avoid the sun, and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors. They also emphasized that children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Public Health Concerns
In Arizona’s Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, there have been at least 13 confirmed heat-related deaths this year, with more than 160 other suspected heat deaths still under investigation. Tragically, this count includes the recent death of a 10-year-old boy in Phoenix who suffered a heat-related medical event while hiking with family at South Mountain Park and Preserve.
As the heatwave persists, authorities are urging the public to take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses and fatalities. With temperatures continuing to rise, it is crucial for everyone to stay informed and take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from the dangerous effects of extreme heat.