Heatwave sweeps across US with scorching temperatures of up to 110F
Americans living in the southwestern states are experiencing sweltering heat as experts warn that temperatures will soon surge past 100F. Over 34 million people living across Texas , Nevada, Arizona and California have been asked to take precautions as federal agencies issue extreme heat advisories this week. The National Weather Service in Las Vegas has forecasted 'extreme' heat in parts of southern Nevada throughout the weekend.
The agency has also warned of little to no relief overnight from daytime heat, with low temperatures in the Las Vegas area expected to run 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Similar forecasts have also been issued for Coachella Valley and San Diego County in the mostly desert state. Federals agencies warn people living around parts of Grand Canyon National Park for areas below 4,000 feet to protect themselves as temperatures are forecasted to range from 105F to 111F for the remainder of this week.
The unseasonably hot weather is expected to spread northward and make its way into parts of the Pacific Northwest by the weekend. Mercury levels in Phoenix and Las Vegas have already reached 108F on Wednesday and record highs topping 110F on Thursday. As a result, the Albuquerque mayor has already announced this year's 'Operation Cooldown,' which includes plans for cooling centers and the use of sprinklers at city parks for kids to keep cool.
The Phoenix Fire Department has begun adopting the cold-water immersion technique on heatstroke victims by packing them up in ice on the way to area hospitals to avoid heat-related deaths this year. Tucson City Council in Arizona also adopted a heat protection ordinance to ensure that city employees have access to cool water, shade and extra breaks at their workplaces. The action comes after Pima County, home to Tucson, last year saw 176 heat-related deaths and another 51 such deaths in the five additional rural counties that the medical examiner handles.
Earlier this week, agencies said that Nevada is expected to endure an early-summer heatwave with temperatures reaching 120F in the Furnace Creek town of Death Valley. The extreme heat warning is expected to start around 10am Wednesday and last until 9pm Friday in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and the Las Vegas Valley. The National Weather Service said in a post on X : 'It's summer in the desert, it's going to be hot!'
'Yes, but it isn't always THIS hot in the desert, especially this early in the summer.' A graphic provided by the National Weather Service showed that around this time of year temperatures are supposed to be around 90-108F. While lower temperatures are expected in parts of Nevada, other areas, including Death Valley are expected to be much hotter.
The national park, which borders California and Nevada, recorded its highest temperature of 134F on July 10, 1913. Officials have warned of severe health risks related to the scorching weather and have recommended that people limit their time outdoors, drink plenty of water and pay attention to warning signs of heat stroke and exhaustion.
Signs that someone is suffering from heat exhaustion or a heat stroke include heavy breathing, sweating, no sweating, vomiting, fainting and sudden muscle spasms. Infants, children, people 65 and older and those with medical conditions should limit their time outdoors and take extreme caution.
Drivers have been advised to remain with their vehicles if they break down, and to use the air conditioning in their vehicle to remain cool while they wait for help.
