Relentless Heat Wave Sweeps Across Southern United States
The scorching summer heat continues to grip the South, Southwest, and South Florida as a relentless heat wave sends temperatures into triple digits. According to the National Weather Service, approximately a quarter of the U.S. population is currently under a heat advisory.
This heat wave is expected to set records in some areas, with record-breaking temperatures predicted through the middle of the week from Texas to the lower Mississippi Valley. As of Monday morning, more than 70 million people across the country are facing dangerous levels of heat, according to the New York Times.
In Phoenix, Arizona, the city has endured two weeks of 110-degree days, marking one of its longest stretches of extreme heat. Known as a “heat dome,” the scorching temperatures have set records across the Southwest over the weekend. Furthermore, the city has experienced eight consecutive days with low temperatures in the 90s, a record-breaking feat, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
South Florida is also battling intense heat, with the Weather Service warning of low temperatures around 90 degrees and heat indexes expected to reach 105 to 110 degrees. The heat index measures how hot it feels outdoors, considering both temperature and humidity levels.
For those seeking relief from the high temperatures, there will be limited opportunities in the most affected areas. The heatwave is accompanied by severe weather alerts in other parts of the country, particularly for heavy rain. The Weather Service has issued warnings of severe storms and heavy downpours from the Nation’s Heartland to the Ohio Valley and Northeast, exacerbating existing flood concerns.
Over the weekend, the Northeast experienced heavy rainfall and flash flooding. In Pennsylvania, sudden rains led to tragic consequences, with at least five deaths and several individuals trapped in their vehicles in Bucks County. Additionally, parts of Long Island, New York, saw five inches of rain fall within a two-hour period.
Adding to the weather woes, smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada is expected to impact the United States, triggering air quality alerts across the Northern High Plains, the Midwest, the Great Lakes, and the Northeast.
However, one pocket of the country is experiencing relief from the scorching heat. The Midwest and the Great Lakes are currently in the midst of a cold front, resulting in cooler-than-normal temperatures. Some areas are struggling to reach the 70s for the beginning of the week, according to the Weather Service.
Extreme heat poses a significant danger to individuals already struggling with health conditions. In the Phoenix area alone, 12 heat-related deaths were reported by mid-June, with an additional 40 ongoing cases under investigation. It is essential to note that hundreds of people in the United States die each year due to extreme heat.
To stay safe during this heatwave, the Weather Service advises individuals to stay hydrated, remain in cooler rooms, avoid direct sunlight, and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors, especially elderly individuals living alone. Additionally, wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing can help mitigate the effects of the heat.
As the heatwave persists, it is crucial to take necessary precautions to ensure the well-being and safety of individuals across the affected regions. Stay informed about weather updates and follow the guidance provided by local authorities and the National Weather Service.
Note: Johnny Diaz contributed reporting to this article.