From Florida to California, Texas and New York, much of the United States is currently experiencing an alarming heat wave. Temperature records are predicted, with dramatic consequences for residents and the environment.
Temperatures keep rising. Much of the southern United States is currently in the grip of an intense, sweltering heat wave, with forecasts calling for record temperatures across the country, from Florida to California to Texas. In this already alarming context, New York State faces an even more critical situation. Torrential rains caused devastating flooding, putting lives at risk and forcing Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency in some areas.
An extreme heat event in the United States
The sweltering heat has settled over a vast expanse of the American territory, and the weather forecast announces that this heat wave will persist for several days. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that the situation is alarming, with record high temperatures in many areas. In Pheonix, Arizona, the metropolis recorded nearly 48°C, marking the 16th consecutive day with temperatures above 43°C. In the famous Death Valley, temperatures soared to a jaw-dropping 53°C.
Several regions, including Arizona, California, Utah and Nevada, are placed on alert level “magenta“, the highest level, due to the rarity and exceptional duration of this heat wave. The consequences for the health of local populations are worrying, and the risk of fire is also very high.
New York is suffocating in a merciless heat wave
The heat wave that hit New York is unprecedented, plunging the city into a stifling furnace. The once bustling streets are now being swept away by intense heat waves that never seem to subside. Thermometers are reaching ominous highs, leaving residents desperate for some respite in the rare shade of few trees and buildings. The atmosphere is weighed down by crushing humidity, making every breath difficult. New Yorkers seek refuge in air-conditioned centers, but even there, the air conditioning struggles to counter the power of this heat wave. Parks and green spaces, usually frequented by city dwellers in search of coolness, are deserted due to the unbearable heat.
The hottest air mass of the season builds across the region tomorrow. #StayCool
Thursday Hazards…
☀️Heat indices over 100°F at times
⛈️Strong to severe thunderstorms (aft/eve)
🌊High risk of rip currents on Atlantic-facing beaches
Latest briefing: pic.twitter.com/9jC5pVC1Rk
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) July 26, 2023
Recently, torrential rains hit New York State, causing devastating flooding that put lives at risk. In response to this critical situation, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in Orange County and Ontario County, where up to 200 mm of precipitation caused flash flooding. A tragic incident has been reported in the Hudson Valley, where a woman lost her life as she tried to flee her home with her dog, swept away by unforgiving waters. The damage is extensive, with roads washed away and thousands without power.
Devastating fires in southern California
Southern California is currently facing violent and destructive fires. The “Rabbit” fire, located about a hundred kilometers from Los Angeles, has already devastated more than 3,000 hectares of land, and it is currently only 10% contained. This situation worries California firefighters who are fighting tirelessly against the flames. The combination of the heat wave and fires is making the air unbreathable, leading to air quality alerts across much of the Great Lakes region, the Midwest and the northern High Plains of the United States. Smoke from Canadian wildfires has exacerbated the situation, resulting in a thick, lingering concentration of smoke in these areas.
#California #USA #Breaking The dangerous ever-spreading York Fire in Mojave National Preserve, California has not been contained/doused. The fire has already covered 70,000 acres. pic.twitter.com/jcwhG1FFDD
— Central Antenna (@CentralAntenna) July 30, 2023
A climate crisis requiring urgent action
Heat waves hitting the United States have become more frequent and intense in recent decades. Experts point out that greenhouse gas emissions are contributing to the worsening of these extreme weather events. Their frequency has increased significantly, from an average of two heat waves per year in the 1960s to six per year in the 2010s and 2020s. growing impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of heat waves in major cities across the United States.
2023-07-31 09:49:05
#unprecedented #heat #wave #hits #United #States #alarming #situation
