Record-Breaking Heat Dome Intensifies Over Western United States
A significant heat dome is currently causing temperatures to skyrocket across the Western United States, impacting nearly 19 million people. The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings for regions including California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Texas. This week marks the arrival of the year's first significant heat wave, with temperatures forecasted to exceed 40°C (104°F), reaching their peak on Thursday.
The extreme temperatures, which are up to 13°C above normal, are raising major concerns. The National Weather Service has rated this heat wave at level 3 on a scale of 4, highlighting its seriousness. Areas like Death Valley and Phoenix are expected to experience record highs, with Las Vegas potentially hitting 44°C (112°F) on Thursday. California's Governor Gavin Newsom has enacted Phase 2 of a state program to better manage the heat emergency, emphasizing that 'the heat kills.'
Meteorologists explain that a heat dome forms when a high-pressure system hovers over a region for several days, trapping warm air and causing temperatures to soar. The dangerous combination of high day-time and unusually warm night-time temperatures exacerbates the health risks to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those without air conditioning.
In addition to human health risks, the heat dome is accelerating the fire season in the West, a region that has suffered extensive damage from uncontrollable wildfires in recent years. Over the weekend, a fire in Tracy, east of San Francisco, was fanned by strong winds, leading to the temporary closure of State Highway 580 and local evacuations.
According to the national meteorological agency, 2024 is predicted to be one of the five warmest years on record, potentially surpassing the previous year, which witnessed some of the hottest temperatures in millennia. This alarming trend underscores the impact of fossil fuel pollution.
- This heat wave is particularly deadly for those exposed to the elements and without means of cooling down. Relief will be hard to find even during the night, as temperatures will remain high, further complicating the situation.
- High temperature conditions at the US-Mexico border have already resulted in fatalities. Last weekend, four migrants died from heatstroke and dehydration in southern Texas. The US Border Patrol reported that many others faced heat-related emergencies as temperatures soared.
- Cities like Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Fresno are expected to break daily temperature records this week. By Friday, the heat wave will spread north and east, potentially setting temperature records in parts of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Colorado.
