The Southwest Braces for Intensifying Heat Wave as Millions Remain Under Heat Alerts

Heat Wave Continues to Intensify in the Southwest, Putting Millions at Risk

More than 85 million people are currently under heat alerts as a weekslong heat wave continues to intensify in the Southwest, according to CNN. Dangerously high temperatures are expected to persist throughout the weekend in the Western United States, with even hotter temperatures forecasted for the South early next week.

The Weather Prediction Center warns that daytime highs will range between 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit above normal, reaching the century mark in the interior Northwest, 100-110 degrees in central and southern California, and 115-120 degrees or higher in the high desert areas of southern California, southern Nevada, and Arizona.

The scorching temperatures have the potential to break more than 100 temperature records across the West and South by Monday. Death Valley, California, could even surpass 130 degrees on Sunday, a rare occurrence that has only happened five times in over a century.

Phoenix has already experienced consecutive days of 110-degree temperatures, and this streak is expected to continue until at least Wednesday. Sultry conditions will persist in the south-central US and South Florida, with daytime highs in the 90s to low 100s and oppressive humidity levels resulting in heat indices ranging between 105-110 degrees each afternoon.

While a heat advisory is in place from Texas to Alabama, Georgia and most of Florida are not included. Houston is forecasted to reach 100 degrees on Saturday, while New Orleans and Jackson, Mississippi could reach 96 degrees. Atlanta is expected to have a relatively mild high of 92 degrees.

In addition to the extreme heat, wildfire smoke from Canada is expected to move into the Northern Plains and Midwest over the weekend and into early next week. Concerns about power outages due to increased demand have also arisen in the Southwest, leading some venues to close early or cancel events.

This long-lasting heat wave has prompted dangerous heat level alerts in areas of Arizona and Texas for over 30 consecutive days since mid-June. In the Phoenix area, temperatures have failed to drop below 90 degrees since Monday, posing a deadly threat to those without air conditioning who are unable to cool down and recover their bodies overnight.

Texas has also been experiencing extreme heat, with El Paso breaking its own high temperature streak record on Thursday after enduring 28 consecutive days above 100 degrees. This streak is expected to extend well beyond 30 days, with temperatures in El Paso projected to reach at least 103 degrees through the middle of next week.

On Thursday, much of Texas’ eastern half saw heat indices between 110 and 115 degrees, while widespread temperatures of 100 to 108 degrees were observed across the state. The North Texas city of Wichita Falls even broke a daily record with a temperature of 110 degrees and a heat index as high as 118 degrees.

Scientists have warned that as the climate crisis continues, there is a growing likelihood that 2023 could become the Earth’s hottest year on record. Heat-related deaths are a significant concern, as heat kills more Americans than any other form of severe weather, including flooding, hurricanes, or extreme cold, according to National Weather Service data.

Communities worldwide are already feeling the devastating effects of extreme temperatures. In Texas alone, at least 11 heat-related deaths were reported during last month’s heat wave, while Mexico has recorded at least 112 deaths from extreme heat exposure since March.

Extreme heat makes it difficult for the body to cool down, and added humidity exacerbates the struggle. Heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be fatal, can set in when the body becomes unable to regulate its temperature.

Certain groups are particularly vulnerable to heat exposure, including people experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers, low-income families, communities of color, and the elderly. To stay safe during sweltering temperatures, experts recommend staying hydrated, finding a cool or air-conditioned place to stay, and avoiding outdoor activities, especially during the hottest times of the day. It is also crucial to watch out for signs of heat exhaustion or other heat-related illnesses, such as light-headedness, nausea, headache, or confusion.

CNN’s Taylor Ward, Elizabeth Wolfe, and Christina Maxouris contributed to this report.

How can vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, be better supported during this prolonged heat wave?

O predicted to remain above 100 degrees for the foreseeable future.

The intensifying heat wave poses significant risks to the millions of people living in the affected areas. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, can occur rapidly and have severe consequences. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk.

The high temperatures also put a strain on infrastructure and can lead to power outages. The increased demand for electricity to run air conditioning units puts stress on the power grid, leading to potential blackouts. As a result, some venues have decided to close early or cancel events to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and attendees.

The impacts of the heat wave extend beyond the immediate health and safety concerns. The wildfire smoke from Canada exacerbates air quality issues in the Northern Plains and Midwest, posing additional respiratory risks for residents. The extreme heat also takes a toll on agriculture and livestock, with crop failures and dehydration among livestock being major concerns.

It is crucial for individuals in the affected areas to take precautions to protect themselves from the heat. Staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, seeking shade or air-conditioned spaces, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and relatives are some of the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

As the heat wave continues to intensify, it is essential for local authorities to provide support and resources to assist those in need, particularly those without access to air conditioning. Cooling centers and emergency response teams should be prepared to handle the increasing demand for relief from the heat.

The ongoing heat wave serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its impacts. Rising temperatures, more frequent and intense heat waves, and extreme weather events are all manifestations of a changing climate. Taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate are crucial in mitigating the risks posed by such extreme weather events in the future.