Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Egyptian PM Mostafa Madbouli: Egypt is targeted in plans to redraw regional map
AEOI Chief Mohammad Eslami: Our presence in IAEA General Council and fact-checking helped in preventing unilateral rhetoric that aims to portray Iran as an unregulated country
AEOI Chief Mohammad Eslami: We witnessed new, stricter stances from European countries since signing new agreement with IAEA
Saree: Our UAV force targeted the so-called Ramon Airport in the Umm al-Rashrash area in southern occupied Palestine
YAF spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree: Our rocket force carried out an operation with a Palestine 2 hypersonic ballistic missile targeting a sensitive target in the occupied Yafa area
Trump administration clears first Ukraine arms aid package paid for by allies: Reuters, citing sources
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman receives Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani at his office in Al-Yamamah Palace
Wakim: Surrender is not in our dictionary, and it is not true that "Israel" can implement its project in Lebanon and the region
Wakim: The US is preventing the armament of the Lebanese army. The question is, why are the weapons it is handed over by the Resistance being destroyed?
Wakim: The Resistance is required to hand over its weapons to the [current] authority. The question is: Is this authority independent or subservient to America?

Independence day swelter: Over 150 million Americans under heat alert

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: News websites
  • 5 Jul 2024 14:07
3 Min Read

A severe and potentially record-breaking heatwave is causing temperatures to soar across the United States.

Listen
  • x
  • A sign raised across the Southwest, Northeast, and Midwest to caution from extreme heat danger. (AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES)
    A sign raised across the Southwest, Northeast, and Midwest to caution from extreme heat danger (AFP via GETTY IMAGES)

Over 134 million people were under heat alerts on Thursday morning as a severe and potentially historic heatwave gripped the United States on Independence Day.

The soaring temperatures are expected to persist without much relief for the next week, including during nighttime hours. Forecasters cautioned that high overnight temperatures and the prolonged duration of this extreme event will heighten health risks and contribute to the rapid spread of wildfires.

Record-breaking heat

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasted that temperatures could reach up to 115F (46C) in California's interior, the desert southwest, and parts of Oregon. As the week progresses, the heat is expected to extend northward into Oregon and Washington, bringing high temperatures across the western region.

Record-breaking heat is anticipated in several locations, such as Las Vegas and Redding, California, with the NWS highlighting the unprecedented nature of this early-July heatwave. They emphasized the dangerous conditions posed by the heat, advising residents in affected areas to stay indoors, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Even in regions typically experiencing milder temperatures like the San Francisco Bay Area, where many homes and businesses lack air conditioning, the heatwave poses significant risks.

Related News

Nordic nations scorched by record-breaking heatwave

Rising temperatures could trigger mass migration of venomous snakes

Urgent warnings across the US 

NWS agencies nationwide are urging residents to take precautions during Independence Day celebrations, warning about the severe conditions linked to outdoor activities like picnics and parades, as well as the consumption of alcohol and other dehydrating beverages.

The intense heatwave is attributed to high-pressure ridges off the West Coast and another ridge that has prompted heat advisories and warnings from Kansas and Missouri to the Gulf Coast states, according to the NWS.

The timing of the extreme heatwave is particularly concerning, increasing the risk of wildfires during Fourth of July festivities, which often involve fireworks, barbecues, and other flammable materials. Firefighters in California are already contending with multiple blazes, including the Thompson fire near Oroville, prompting evacuations of nearly 30,000 residents.

Accompanying the heat is dry, gusty winds in northern California, leading Pacific Gas & Electric to implement public safety power shutoffs in parts of 10 counties to prevent wildfires sparked by downed or damaged electrical wires.

Dive deeper

California has experienced a series of wildfires in spring and early summer, fueled by a wet winter that fostered abundant grass growth now susceptible to ignition as temperatures rise.

The ongoing heatwave is expected to further dry out landscapes and vegetation, heightening the risk of an active wildfire season extending for several months.

While this heatwave represents a significant event for the western United States this year, experts warn that more extreme heatwaves are likely as the human-caused climate crisis persists. This week's weather patterns are seen as part of a troubling trend toward longer, larger, and more intense heat events. Moreover, 2024 is projected to set records as the hottest year recorded.

Read more: Burning planet: Record heatwaves sweep the world, demand urgent action

  • high temperature
  • United States
  • Climate change
  • global boiling
  • Heatwave
STOP THE HEAT: A Climate Change Coverage

STOP THE HEAT: A Climate Change Coverage

Most Read

Pro-"Israel" conservative Charlie Kirk shot during Utah speech

American far-right activist Charlie Kirk shot dead during Utah speech

  • US & Canada
  • 11 Sep 2025
Uprising against Volker Turk at the Human Rights Council over Gaza.

Uprising against Volker Turk at the Human Rights Council over Gaza

  • Politics
  • 12 Sep 2025
A screengrab from the ad played on Fox News. (X Screengrab)

Fox airs ad warning Trump not to let Netanyahu 'play' him on Gaza

  • US & Canada
  • 11 Sep 2025
Lapid: Egypt’s Arab Force plan a 'severe blow' to normalization

Lapid: Egypt’s Arab Force plan a 'severe blow' to normalization

  • Palestine
  • 14 Sep 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
Britain Trained Israeli Soldiers Involved in Gaza War: Declassified
Europe

UK training of Israeli officers sparks outcry over Gaza war complicity

Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden arrives for an EU summit at the European Council building in Brussels, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Havana)
Politics

Luxembourg to recognize Palestine at UN summit next week

European Union flags flap in the wind outside EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 (AP)
Politics

EU exec. branch to adopt new sanctions against 'Israel' on Wednesday

Charlie Kirk killing suspect faces charges in Utah court hearing
US & Canada

Charlie Kirk murder suspect faces formal charges in Utah court hearing

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS