Independence day swelter: Over 150 million Americans under heat alert

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
5 Jul 2024 14:07

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

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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.

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.