Record-breaking heatwaves are sweeping across parts of the United States, with warnings of “dangerous” heat levels into next week. Nearly a third of Americans, approximately 113 million people, are currently under heat advisories from Florida to California and up to Washington state. The National Weather Service (NWS) has urged people not to underestimate the risk to life. On Saturday, Phoenix, Arizona recorded an all-time high of 118F (48C), with temperatures hitting 110F (43C) for 16 consecutive days. Homeless people in the area have been treated for third-degree burns. Death Valley in California is forecast to reach 129F (54C), nearing the hottest temperatures ever reliably recorded on Earth. The NWS has warned that local records could also be set in other regions. The extreme heat has led to increased energy consumption in Texas, with air conditioner use surpassing previous records. Hospitals are also seeing a rise in heat-related admissions. The heatwave in the US mirrors similar conditions in Europe, with Greece closing the Acropolis due to the searing temperatures. Scientists attribute the extreme weather events to climate change and the El Niño weather pattern.
How are the record-breaking heatwaves in the United States and Europe being attributed to climate change and the El Niño weather pattern?
Record-breaking heatwaves are currently scorching parts of the United States, and weather experts are sounding the alarm about the dangerously high temperatures that are expected to persist into next week. An astounding 113 million Americans, nearly a third of the population, are now under heat advisories spanning from Florida to California and up to Washington state. The National Weather Service (NWS) is urging people to take the risk to life seriously.
Phoenix, Arizona hit a staggering all-time high of 118F (48C) on Saturday, enduring a relentless 16-day streak of scorching 110F (43C) weather. Shockingly, homeless individuals in the area have even suffered third-degree burns as a result. Meanwhile, Death Valley in California is on track to reach a sweltering 129F (54C), possibly nearing the highest temperatures ever reliably recorded on Earth. The NWS has also cautioned that other regions may experience local record-breaking heat.
As the extreme heat grips the nation, Texas is witnessing a surge in energy consumption, shattering previous records. Air conditioner usage has skyrocketed as residents try to beat the heat. In addition, hospitals are seeing an increase in admissions related to heat-related illnesses.
Across the Atlantic, Europe is also grappling with similar scorching conditions. Greece, in particular, has been forced to temporarily close the Acropolis due to the searing temperatures. Climate scientists are attributing these extreme weather events to the impact of climate change and the El Niño weather pattern.
With millions of Americans currently under threat from the blistering heatwaves, it is imperative that everyone remains vigilant and takes necessary precautions to safeguard their health and well-being.
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This scorching heatwave mandates immediate attention and collective action to safeguard lives at risk. Stay hydrated, seek shade, and check on vulnerable individuals. Let’s prioritize measures to combat climate change and prevent future catastrophes. Stay safe, everyone! 💧☀️🌍