A dangerous and intensifying heat wave is sweeping across the western and southern regions of the United States, with millions of Americans under heat warnings and watches. According to the National Weather Service, this weekend will see a searing heat wave engulfing much of the West Coast, the Great Basin, and the Southwest. Record-breaking temperatures are expected in multiple cities, including Death Valley, California, where temperatures could reach 130 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat wave has already been responsible for near record-breaking temperatures in recent days, and scientists attribute this extreme heat to climate change caused by fossil fuel emissions.
Cities such as Las Vegas, Fresno, and Flagstaff are forecasted to approach or hit record highs. Parts of the desert in Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona are expected to surpass 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In Phoenix, temperatures reached 110 degrees for the fourth consecutive day, tying a record set in 2020. Las Vegas is also set to break its hottest temperature ever recorded, with a forecasted high of 118 degrees Fahrenheit.
High humidity is making the high temperatures even more brutal in the Plains, Southeast, and Lower Mississippi Valley. The combination of high humidity and temperatures in the upper 90s and low 100s could make it feel worse than 115 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the weather service.
Officials are warning the public about the dangers of exposure to extreme heat, as it can be dangerous and even deadly. Heat-related deaths are a significant cause of mortality, with an average of 702 heat-related deaths each year in the United States. Residents are advised to cancel outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, stay hydrated, and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.
In other weather news, heavy rain is expected in Southern New England and the coastal Mid-Atlantic states, while the Midwest, Mid-Mississippi Valley, and New England are still recovering from recent flooding.
Overall, the heat wave gripping the United States is a cause for concern, with extreme temperatures posing significant risks to public health and emphasizing the need for continued efforts to address climate change.