Some 100 million Americans from New York City to Las Vegas are under heat advisories this week as temperatures soar over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), a tendency of extreme weather that climate change has worsened.
According to Reuters, the US heat wave mirrors European weather conditions that sparked wildfires and broke temperature records this week. These weather conditions are the type that experts predict will occur more frequently.
In fact, this week, Texas and Oklahoma have each seen temperatures of 115 degrees Fahrenheit. According to Yahoo! News, more than 211 million people will endure temperatures of 90 degrees or above on Wednesday.
Triple-Digit Heat Temperature Expected in the US
According to CNN, more than 100 million people were under heat alerts on Thursday in more than two dozen states, ranging from parts of the American West to New England. This suffocating cocoon is something that experts predict will happen more frequently due to the effects of climate change.
National Weather Service noted Wednesday that the areas most at risk for such dangerously high temperatures include the Southwest, Central, and South-Central US, the coastal mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions.
Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories are in effect this morning throughout 28 states, stretching from California to New Hampshire. High temperatures into the 90s and 100s will increase the risk of heat related illnesses. For heat safety tips, visit: https://t.co/L4FyvSS6lj pic.twitter.com/rFmVCKxDSV
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) July 20, 2022
As a result of the distressing heat wave, which has worsened the flash drought in the southern and central Plains, local and state officials have been compelled to proclaim heat emergencies and offer resources to inhabitants to lessen the harsh heat.
A heat emergency was issued by the mayor of Washington, DC, on Thursday and will extend until Monday morning. A heat emergency is proclaimed when the district's temperature exceeds 95 degrees or greater.
New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston Temperatures are expected to hover above 90 degrees into the weekend, if not longer.
Due to the intense heat that has been felt throughout the US, records have actually been broken, and 19 European nations are now under a severe risk warning for wildfires.
United States Heat Wave
The Southern Plains and the Southeast, according to Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Orrison, had the most severe weather. New York Times mentioned that portions of Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana are expected to reach even higher than triple-digit temperatures.
With a temperature of 110 on Tuesday, Oklahoma City equaled the state's highest July temperature, according to the Weather Service, breaking a daily heat record from the Dust Bowl period. On Wednesday, Austin is anticipated to record its 40th day in a row with a high above 100 degrees.
The 15th day of July was among the 24 days this year that the Dallas region has seen temperatures in the triple digits, and the following week is predicted to bring daily highs of 100 degrees or higher.
According to Madison Gordon of the Weather Service, Dallas usually experiences 20 days per year with temperatures of 100 degrees or above.
With a measurement of 110 degrees on Tuesday, Oklahoma City equaled the record for the state's highest July temperature. On Wednesday, Austin is forecast to have its 40th straight day of highs over 100 degrees.
In Fort Worth, Texas, 200 major water breaches have occurred in the previous month due to the earth shifting due to the extended heat and lack of rain.
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