Dangerous and potentially deadly heat settles in the Southwestern United States throughout most of the weekend, with temperatures in some locations expected to break records and exceed 100 degrees Celsius.
According to the National Weather Service, about 38 million people from California to southern Texas are on some heat-related alert for at least part of the weekend. Heat waves are defined as periods of unusually unpleasantly hot and unusually humid weather that last for more than two days.
“Protect yourself” Phoenix Meteorological Bureau Warning to residentsin the meantime Sacramento office He said that fever affects everyone, not just those who are most sensitive to the risk of fever.San Diego Meteorologist Advice to residents To learn the signs of heat stroke and heat stroke.
Here’s what you need to know:
What is the forecast?
It’s dry and very hot.Ann Excessive heat warning In the San Diego region, where temperatures were expected to reach 115 degrees Celsius, it was valid until Sunday night. Similar hot and humid conditions were expected in the Grand Canyon and other parts of central and southwestern Arizona. Las Vegas, where temperatures were skyrocketing, could reach 109 degrees Celsius. Some of the most extreme heat is predicted in Death Valley along the California-Nevada border, where mercury can rise to 120 degrees Celsius.
A Heat advisory It was valid until Saturday in a wide area of south-central California and western Nevada. Temperatures were expected to be up to 102 degrees Celsius around Los Angeles and up to 106 degrees Celsius in the San Joaquin Valley. According to the Meteorological Agency in Reno, Nevada, temperatures on Friday are projected to reach a maximum of about 100 degrees Celsius, with potentially record highs that were unusually high in early summer. That is. On average, according to meteorologists, Reno usually does not exceed 100 degrees until around July 10. Even in parts of Utah and New Mexico, and parts of southern Texas, Friday temperatures were projected to be between 100 and 105 degrees Celsius.
How bad will it be?
Don’t expect the heat to subside soon. This is the beginning of a potentially scorching summer.
In a report published last month, the U.S. Marine and Atmospheric Administration reported that temperatures were higher than normal in almost all 48 mainland U.S. states in June, July, and August, except for small areas of the Pacific Northwest and northern plains. He said it is likely to be high. In addition to the high temperatures, agencies expect less than normal rainfall throughout the west, which continues to face severe droughts.
What precautions should I take?
This is the first heat event of the summer season, Meteorologist saidMany people have not yet adapted to the heat and can be more affected by the high temperatures than usual, he added.
The forecaster said it was a good time to confirm that the cooling system was working properly. They also said they would stay in an air-conditioned room, reminding residents that children and pets should not be left alone in the car.
As always, it’s important to maintain hydration during hot events. Drink more water than usual and avoid dehydration of alcoholic, sugar and caffeine drinks.
What is the heat index?
According to Kimberly McMahon, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service, the heat index is a measure of how much heat you actually feel outside when you consider humidity and other factors along with temperature.
The heat index is routinely used to more accurately measure outside mood, but meteorologists also use it to accurately indicate the amount of heat the human body can withstand. Dizziness, thirst, and intense sweating are signs of heat exhaustion, According to the Meteorological Bureau.. The signs of heat stroke are more severe and can include confusion and unconsciousness. In that case, call 911 and move the person to a cool place.
When will it end?
Depending on the location, most heat-related alerts will expire by Saturday night or Sunday night.
Recent heat waves are deadly.
At the end of last month, in cities from Texas to Massachusetts, the heat and humidity linked or broke heat records. And last summer, record heat in the Pacific Northwest killed hundreds of people and threatened the health of field and warehouse workers.
According to a team of researchers, deadly weather events would have been almost impossible without climate change.