A person is seen carrying a water jug through a neighborhood in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 14, 2023, during an intense Heat wave. Millions of people across the United States are facing heat warnings or advisories as record-breaking temperatures continue to scorch western and southern states. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a warning for a widespread and oppressive heat wave in parts of the Southwest, western Gulf Coast, and southern Florida, posing health risks to millions of individuals. Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona are expected to experience temperatures as high as 115F (46C) with some areas projected to reach up to 128F (53C). The scorching temperatures have put California’s Death Valley, known as one of the hottest places on Earth, at a life-threatening 124F (51C). Visitors to the park have described the heat as a burning sensation on their bodies.

Tragically, there have been reports of casualties due to extreme heat, including a homeless person who died in Tucson, Arizona, exposing the dangers faced by vulnerable populations. Numerous regions, including Idyllwild and Imperial in California, have shattered temperature records, emphasizing the severity and unprecedented nature of this heat wave. The NWS has repeatedly emphasized that heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States and called for individuals to take the risk seriously.

Authorities have been cautioning people to avoid outdoor activities during the day and stay hydrated to prevent dehydration, which can be fatal in such extreme temperatures. Phoenix, Arizona, has recorded a staggering 16 consecutive days of temperatures above 109F (43C), with a peak of 118F (48C) on Saturday. Cooling centers and water distribution programs have been established in Phoenix and other cities, but the demand for relief resources outweighs the current capacity.

Miami, Florida, has issued its first-ever Excessive Heat Warning due to a combination of high temperatures and humidity, resulting in a “feels-like” temperature of 112F (44C). Moreover, a construction worker in Texas has described the unbearable conditions, highlighting the importance of staying hydrated amidst the scorching heat. Efforts to mitigate the high electricity demand caused by the heat wave have been implemented, with residents of some areas being asked to conserve electricity during specific hours.

The frequency and intensity of heat waves in major US cities have increased, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Heat waves have occurred six times per year during the 2010s and 2020s, compared to only two times per year in the 1960s. The NWS’s Las Vegas office has emphasized that this heat wave is not typical desert heat, with its extraordinary duration, extreme daytime temperatures, and warm nights setting it apart. Canada is also facing the consequences of extreme heat, as wildfires have burned a record-breaking 24.7 million acres (10 million hectares) of land due to warm temperatures and below-average rainfall.

Although it’s challenging to attribute a specific weather event to climate change, scientists assert that human-induced global warming is responsible for the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves. In addition to the heat wave, parts of the northeastern US have been ravaged by flooding in recent weeks. Eastern Pennsylvania’s Bucks County reported casualties and missing individuals as a result of flash flooding caused by a severe storm.

In conclusion, the ongoing heat wave in the US west and south is a severe and unprecedented weather event with far-reaching consequences for individuals and the environment. The NWS continues to urge people to take necessary precautions and prioritize their health and safety during this challenging time.

 

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