BTN News: A severe heatwave is set to hit large parts of the United States next week. This heatwave could break many temperature records. It will affect millions of people in the western and eastern regions of the country. The National Weather Service (NWS) says temperatures could reach between 90°F and 110°F (32°C to 43°C). These high temperatures will be in areas like the West Coast and the Great Basin. Officials warn that this extreme heat will bring health risks and increase wildfire threats.
Unprecedented High Temperatures Are Expected in the Coming Days
In the next few days, many temperature records might be broken. By Wednesday, over 250 records for high and low temperatures could be surpassed. Almost 100 million people are under heat advisories in more than a dozen states. Around 40 million people will experience temperatures above 98.6°F (37°C) in the next week.
Over the Fourth of July weekend, several daily temperature records were broken. On Saturday, Death Valley reached 127°F (53°C), breaking the previous record from July 6, 2007. Las Vegas matched its records from 2007 and 1989 with a high of 115°F (46°C). Kingman, Arizona, recorded 99°F (37°C), surpassing its previous record of 108°F (42°C).
California Faces Extreme Heat With Several Temperature Records Broken
California saw significant heatwaves with Daggett reaching 106°F (41°C). Bishop set a new state record at 108°F (42°C). Sacramento also saw multiple records broken, including Redding, which hit 119°F (48°C). This broke the historical high of 117°F (47°C). The NWS warns that the intense and prolonged heat in the West will continue. Excessive heat warnings and advisories are in effect across the region.
In California and Nevada, excessive heat warnings are in place due to the increased risk of heat-related illnesses. The NWS says the extreme and prolonged heat in the West will be very dangerous and could be deadly if not taken seriously.
Prolonged Heat Wave and Its Dangers Are a Serious Threat
The Death Valley area is under an excessive heat warning until Wednesday night. Temperatures are expected to range between 122°F and 129°F (50°C to 54°C). Elsewhere in California, Owens Valley could see highs of 109°F (43°C) and Barstow 117°F (47°C). In Nevada, Las Vegas and Pahrump might also reach 117°F (47°C).
The NWS says warm overnight temperatures will offer little relief from the daytime heat. This is especially true in Las Vegas and Death Valley, where lows might not drop below 90°F (32°C) for several days. This persistent heat could cause significant stress for those without adequate cooling and hydration, leading to potential health crises.
Extreme heat is one of the leading weather-related causes of death in the U.S. It claims hundreds of lives annually. In addition to California and Nevada, Oregon and Washington have also recorded heat records. They are expected to continue experiencing high temperatures into next week.
Heat Spreads to Other Regions in the United States
The NWS in Portland predicts more records could fall in the coming days. Temperatures in interior valleys will approach or exceed 98.6°F (37°C) daily until Tuesday, July 9. Meanwhile, the heat and humidity in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast are expected to gradually decrease by next week. The Gulf Coast and the Carolinas will see prolonged high temperatures. Heat index values near 110°F (43°C) in the Mid-Atlantic on Saturday will drop to around 99°F (37°C) by Sunday. Heat advisories are in effect from upstate New York down the East Coast to Alabama.
Wildfire Risks Intensify Due to Relentless Heat and Dry Conditions
The relentless heat is increasing the risk of wildfires. This is especially true in parts of the Upper Great Basin and the Four Corners region through the weekend. Southern Idaho and Utah face higher danger due to dry, windy conditions.
In California, the intense heat is worsening wildfire conditions. Over 3,000 wildfires have burned more than 150,000 acres in the state this year, according to Cal Fire. The extreme heat and critical fire weather pose significant challenges for firefighters.
Cal Fire spokesperson Nick Schuler said the challenges are immense for the 3,500 firefighters battling the blazes. The high temperatures and rugged terrain make it tough. The Basin Fire in Fresno County, the largest active wildfire, has burned over 14,000 acres. It was 60% contained as of Saturday afternoon.
Another major fire, the Lake Fire in Santa Barbara County, started on Friday afternoon. It has already burned over 12,000 acres. Evacuation warnings have been issued for nearby areas, and several roads are closed.
The Thompson Fire prompted a state of emergency declaration from Governor Gavin Newsom. It was 79% contained by Saturday night. Since it began on Tuesday, the fire has burned nearly 10,000 acres in Butte County. It injured two firefighters, destroyed 26 structures, and damaged eight others.
In Mariposa County, the French Fire was 35% contained after burning over 900 acres since July 4. Evacuation orders and warnings are in place. Four firefighters were injured, and four structures were destroyed. The McCain Fire in San Diego County has burned around 1,500 acres. It is 95% contained.
Despite some progress in containment, firefighters face several more days of relentless heat. Schuler emphasized the need for caution as evacuation orders are lifted and residents return home.
Conclusion
As the United States braces for a record-breaking heatwave next week, millions are urged to take precautions to stay cool and hydrated. The extreme temperatures, which threaten to break numerous records, pose serious health risks and worsen wildfire conditions. With excessive heat warnings in place across multiple states, it’s crucial to heed official advice to ensure safety during this dangerous weather event.
