A punishing heat wave is set to hit the southern and western states this weekend, bringing dangerously hot weather to areas from Florida to Arizona and California to Washington state. The most extreme temperatures are expected in the Desert Southwest, with Death Valley, California potentially reaching a scorching 130 degrees Fahrenheit – the highest temperature ever recorded worldwide in modern records. Phoenix could also near 120 degrees, while most of California’s Central Valley will experience temperatures well above 110 degrees.
The National Weather Service has issued a warning, stating that the intense heat will pose a major to extreme risk for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those who are heat sensitive or lack effective cooling and hydration. This brutal heat wave is also fueling fires in Southern California.
The arrival of this heat wave comes shortly after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that last month was the hottest June on record globally. Recent days have also been the hottest in observed history.
The dangers posed by this heat wave are significant. Heat is the number one weather-related killer, surpassing fatalities from flooding, drought, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes. The Washington Post’s Joshua Partlow emphasizes that even small mistakes can have grave consequences in such extreme heat. Meteorologists at the Weather Service are urging people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, avoid the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors. They also stress that young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles, as twelve hot-car deaths have already been recorded in the country this year. Last year, 33 children died in hot vehicles.
Humidity can also play a role in the dangers of extreme heat. In dry heat, sweat evaporates from the skin before dehydration is noticed, posing a serious health risk. On the other hand, a humid air mass prevents sweat from evaporating, reducing the body’s ability to cool itself and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
As this punishing heat wave approaches, it is crucial for individuals to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from the potentially life-threatening effects of extreme heat.
What precautions can individuals take to protect themselves and others from the extreme heat
Get ready for a scorching weekend as a punishing heat wave is set to hit the southern and western states. From Florida to Arizona and California to Washington state, dangerously hot weather will be the name of the game. Brace yourselves, because the most extreme temperatures are expected in the Desert Southwest, with Death Valley potentially reaching a mind-boggling 130 degrees Fahrenheit – the highest temperature ever recorded worldwide in modern records. Phoenix won’t be far behind, with temperatures nearing 120 degrees. And if you’re in California’s Central Valley, be prepared for temperatures well above 110 degrees.
The National Weather Service is taking this heat wave seriously and has issued a warning. They’ve stated that the intense heat will pose a major to extreme risk for heat-related illnesses, especially for those who are heat sensitive or lack effective cooling and hydration. And to add fuel to the fire, quite literally, this brutal heat wave is also causing fires in Southern California.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any hotter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that last month was the hottest June on record globally. And if that wasn’t enough, recent days have been the hottest in observed history. So, it’s safe to say that the dangers of this heat wave are significant.
Heat is no joke – it’s the number one weather-related killer, surpassing fatalities from flooding, drought, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes. The Washington Post is highlighting the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing that even small mistakes can have grave consequences in such extreme heat.
Meteorologists at the Weather Service are urging everyone to take precautions. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, avoid the sun, and check on your relatives and neighbors. And here’s an important reminder: never, ever leave young children or pets unattended in vehicles. Twelve hot-car deaths have already occurred this year, and last year, 33 children tragically lost their lives in hot cars.
Let’s not forget about humidity, which plays a role in the dangers of extreme heat as well. In dry heat, sweat evaporates from the skin before dehydration is noticed, posing a serious health risk. Conversely, in humid conditions, sweat doesn’t evaporate easily, reducing the body’s ability to cool itself and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
As this punishing heat wave approaches, it’s crucial that we take necessary precautions to protect ourselves and others from the potentially life-threatening effects of this extreme heat. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and stay cool.
