July 6th 2024.
According to meteorologists, a dangerous and record-breaking heat wave is currently sweeping across the United States, putting approximately 130 million people at risk. The scorching temperatures have already shattered previous records and are expected to continue to do so from coast to coast.
Jacob Asherman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, warns that the combination of high heat and humidity could result in temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit in areas such as the Pacific Northwest, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Northeast. He specifically mentions cities like Eugene, Portland, and Salem in Oregon as potential record-breakers. As a result, many people are seeking relief from the oppressive heat in designated cooling centers, from Arizona to Virginia.
The National Weather Service has extended an excessive heat warning for much of the Southwest until Friday, stating that the heatwave is just beginning and temperatures are expected to peak between Sunday and Wednesday. The service also predicts that the extreme heat will continue until Friday.
In places like Las Vegas, where the temperature had already reached 100 degrees by 10:30 a.m., locals and tourists alike are seeking refuge in air-conditioned casinos and enjoying cold beverages while trying to beat the heat. Marko Boscovich, a visitor from Nevada, jokes that after the temperature hits triple digits, it all feels the same to him. He's hoping that the band Dead & Company will play his favorite song, "Cold Rain and Snow," at their concert later that night.
The excessive heat has also taken its toll on the Southwest, with Phoenix hitting 100 degrees by 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and reaching a record high of 118 degrees the day before. Meteorologists predict that temperatures will continue to be near daily records throughout the week, with the lower desert areas reaching a scorching 115 to 120 degrees.
The heat advisories have even been extended to higher elevations, such as around Lake Tahoe, with the National Weather Service in Reno warning of major heat risks that could impact even the mountains. They predict that temperatures will remain above 100 degrees until next weekend and offer little relief overnight.
The Death Valley, known as one of the hottest places on Earth, set a new heat record for the day on Friday with a temperature of 127 degrees, beating the old record of 122 degrees set in 2013. Nearby Palm Springs also experienced record-breaking heat, reaching 124 degrees on Friday and breaking the city's all-time high of 123 degrees. And according to meteorologists, even more extreme highs are expected, with temperatures reaching 129 degrees on Sunday and hovering around 130 degrees for the following few days. The hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth was 134 degrees in Death Valley in 1913, but some experts dispute this and claim the real record was 130 degrees in July 2021.
As the heatwave continues to impact the West and Mid-Atlantic regions, the National Weather Service warns that temperatures will be between 15 and 30 degrees higher than average. The Eastern U.S. is also preparing for the worst, with Baltimore and other parts of Maryland under an excessive heat warning and heat index values expected to reach 110 degrees.
Authorities are urging people to take precautions to stay safe and healthy in the extreme heat, including drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air-conditioned spaces, and checking on vulnerable family members and neighbors. They also remind everyone to never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
Unfortunately, the heat has already resulted in several deaths, with at least 13 confirmed heat-related deaths in Maricopa County, Arizona, and over 160 suspected heat deaths currently under investigation. Even a 10-year-old boy hiking with his family in Phoenix fell victim to the heat and passed away from a heat-related medical event.
The high temperatures have also created dangerous conditions for firefighters in California who are battling wildfires fanned by low humidity and triple-digit heat. In Santa Barbara County, a large fire has already scorched over 19 square miles of land, and firefighters warn of extreme fire behavior and the potential for significant growth.
Despite the oppressive heat, people are still finding ways to enjoy their summer activities. At the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, attendees are staying cool by drinking plenty of water, seeking shade, and taking advantage of water misters. Festival organizers even offer free access to air-conditioned spaces at a nearby hotel. One festival-goer, Angela Quiroz, says that there's a noticeable difference between being in the sun and the shade, with the sun feeling like she's being cooked. But she and many others are not letting the heat stop them from enjoying the music and festivities.
The Associated Press reporters Julie Walker, Rebecca Boone, and Scott Sonner contributed to this article from various locations across the country. Additional contributions from AP journalists in different parts of the U.S. were also included.
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