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With more than 40 million people feeling the heat across Central California and Plains, it’s no wonder temperatures are reaching record levels. Tuesday saw 10-15 degree readings increase above normal.
In a statement, the Weather Prediction Center said, “Dangerous heat will continue to impact much of the central and parts of southwestern US today.”
The states of Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Dakotas, Nebraska, and Montana are all under an extreme heat advisory. Authorities have also alerted many agencies to expect health cases due to this record-breaking high-temperature season which will break numerous previous ones.
The heat index measures what your body would feel like if you were to experience humidity and temperature at one moment. In several parts of South Dakota, Oklahoma and Texas, this can reach up to 111 degrees.
Experts say that the heat may reach into dangerous territory, with temperatures reaching 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The thermometer is going off the wall in San Joaquin Valley, which has been under an excessive heat warning after experts predicted that temperatures could reach up to 108 degrees.
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The forecasted temperatures are expected to reach triple digits, which could make for extremely dangerous and life-threatening situations for the 60 million people or about 20% of the population affected by the heat.
The heat of the Southern Plains will continue to affect areas until next week. Experts say it’s the hottest in the area in many years. Meanwhile, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas will also experience the same.
The month of July was a frustrating experience for many people. Whether one lives in the south or north, the heat is felt, and air conditioning systems need to be adjusted accordingly.
States under extreme heat
The current heat wave is expected to create record-breaking situations in Texas. With temperatures reaching into the 90s to the 100s this week, power providers are maxed out and could experience blackouts if the trend continues.
Those living in Dallas are set to experience record-breaking heat this summer as well. The weather bureau recorded 110 degrees, which broke all previous records since 1980. In the evening, the temperatures are forecasted not to go below the 80-degree threshold.
Citizens in South Dakota have already been warned about the 15-degree increase over normal ranges of temperatures, with triple digits expected this summer.
The heat in Rapid City reached dangerous levels, up to 104 degrees. The National Weather Service has advised citizens not to make visits outside, especially during periods when temperatures are set to increase.
“With the heat, low relative humidity, and gusty southerly winds, critical fire weather conditions are likely this afternoon into the early evening hours,” the weather service office in North Platte announced.
“There is also a threat for high based, dry thunderstorms which may produce lightning and gusty, erratic winds in the vicinity of thunderstorms,” the agency added.
The heat has been on lately, with records being broken all over North Platte. Unfortunately, this is predicted to affect parts of Nebraska and Scottsbluff as well.
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In the wake of the phenomenon, authorities have strongly recommended people consume a lot more fluids and stay indoors. They also advise checking up on family members who may be feeling unstable, especially the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with illnesses.
The heat in the Southwestern US has only exacerbated an existing drought. Over 60% of California is currently experiencing level 3 or 4 extreme droughts, with San Joaquin Valley declaring itself afflicted by the terrible heat.
A weather service said, “The combination of breezy conditions, intense heat, plentiful sun, and dry vegetation will create a heightened threat for wildfires on Wednesday.”
The heat wave that has been gripping America for weeks is expected to continue, and as it does, there’s a chance of wildfires increasing. The Weather Service in Ft Worth warns citizens about potential disasters, precisely because the high temperatures may cause them. Texas currently has a burn ban in place.
Source: CNN
Opinions expressed by US Insider contributors are their own.
