UNITED STATES: A widespread heat wave is encompassing a large area of the United States, extending from California to South Florida, and meteorologists anticipate that temperatures in certain parts of the Southwest could break previous records in the following days.
The National Weather Service has issued advisories, watches, and warnings regarding excessive heat for regions where approximately 100 million people reside. The intense heat is predicted to escalate over the weekend and persist into the following week.
As scorching heat engulfed various regions of the nation, Vermont and other states in the Northeast faced a double blow as they struggled to recuperate from unprecedented flooding. The National Weather Service predicted substantial additional rainfall in certain areas of New England, exacerbating the situation as rivers and streams were already swollen.
Floodwaters wrecked roads, transformed Montpelier, the state capital of Vermont, into a swirling, muddy canal, and may have jeopardised the city’s water supply. Until further notice, authorities advised the city’s 8,000 inhabitants to boil their water before using it.
In four counties in northeastern Illinois, where at least eight tornadoes touched down, the Chicago area was also in danger from extreme weather. As tornado sirens resounded throughout the third-largest city in the United States, the twisters and thunderstorms compelled O’Hare and Midway airports to briefly cease all aviation travel.
According to specialists in the area, the escalating frequency and severity of extreme weather across the United States is a sign of the world’s human-caused climate change.
The Southwestern region is preparing for potentially life-threatening heat as a significant portion of the area is placed under an excessive heat warning.
Phoenix experienced its 13th consecutive day with temperatures reaching a minimum of 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius). According to forecasts, the city is expected to surpass its previous record of 18 consecutive days over 110 degrees, which was set in June 1974.
Furthermore, even during the nighttime, temperatures stay above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), providing little respite from the heat.
This weekend, the heat is expected to spread across California, Nevada, Arizona, and even into West Texas, with Friday through Monday appearing to be the hottest period, according to a Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix, who spoke to the media.
In Texas, temperatures soared into the upper 90s and exceeded 100°F (37°C) on Wednesday. The heat index, which factors in humidity, will make it feel like 114°F (46°C) in certain places throughout the weekend. The meterologist attributed the heightened heat index to warm ocean waters, causing moist, humid air to prevail over much of the state.
Also Read: Ocean Color Changes Reflect Climate Change Impact on Marine Ecosystems
