Weekslong Heat Wave Intensifies in the Southwest, Millions Under Heat Alerts
As the summer heat wave intensifies, more than 85 million people in the Southwest remain under heat alerts. The dangerous high temperatures are expected to persist throughout the weekend and grow hotter in the South early next week.
The National Weather Prediction Center warns that daytime highs will be between 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. This means temperatures could approach the century mark in the interior Northwest, reach 100-110 degrees in central and southern California, and soar to 115-120 degrees or more in the high desert of southern California, southern Nevada, and Arizona.
The Western United States and the South could see more than 100 temperature records broken through Monday. Death Valley, California, might even surpass 130 degrees on Sunday, a rare occurrence that has happened only five times in over a century.
In Phoenix, temperatures have already reached 110 degrees on consecutive days, and this trend is expected to continue through at least Wednesday. Southern states such as Texas, Alabama, and South Florida will also experience sultry conditions, with daytime highs in the 90s to low 100s and oppressive humidity levels. Heat indices could frequently range between 105-110 degrees each afternoon.
While a heat advisory is in place from Texas to Alabama, Georgia and most of Florida have been spared from the alerts. Houston is forecasted to reach 100 degrees on Saturday, with temperatures reaching 96 in New Orleans and Jackson, Mississippi. Atlanta is expected to have a relatively mild high of 92.
In addition to the scorching temperatures, the Northern Plains and Midwest will be affected by wildfire smoke coming from Canada over the weekend and into early next week.
The prolonged heat wave has raised concerns about power outages due to increased demand in the Southwest. Some venues, including the Sacramento Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, have chosen to close early or cancel events to ensure the safety of visitors.
Dangerous heat alerts have now been in effect in areas of Arizona and Texas for over 30 consecutive days. The Phoenix area has not seen temperatures drop below 90 degrees since Monday, posing a serious threat to those without air conditioning who cannot cool and recover their bodies overnight.
El Paso, Texas set a new record for high temperature streak on Thursday, experiencing 28 consecutive days above 100 degrees. This streak is likely to extend well beyond 30 days, as temperatures are expected to stay above 103 degrees through the middle of next week.
Heat-related deaths have become a concern as extreme heat takes a toll on communities. Heat kills more Americans than any other form of severe weather, including flooding, hurricanes, or extreme cold, according to the National Weather Service. Last month’s heatwave in Texas caused at least 11 heat-related deaths in one county, while in Mexico, at least 112 people have died from extreme heat exposure since March.
As temperatures continue to rise, scientists warn that 2023 could become the Earth’s hottest year on record. It is crucial for people to stay safe in sweltering temperatures by staying hydrated, seeking shelter in cool or air-conditioned places, and avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest times of the day. It is particularly important for vulnerable populations such as homeless individuals, outdoor workers, low-income families, communities of color, and the elderly to take extra precautions. Symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, such as light-headedness, nausea, headache, or confusion, should be taken seriously and medical attention should be sought if necessary.