Americans Warned: Heatwave Is Far From Over and Is Spreading

More than 245 million Americans have been warned about record-breaking heatwaves shifting east and moving inland this week. 

No Hiding Place 

The extreme heatwave that’s been sizzling up the US west coast the past few weeks now seems to be moving inward towards the mid-west and south-east areas.

Get Ready for a Scorcher 

That means, according to AccuWeather, that more than 245 million US citizens might be bracing 90 F temperatures between Monday and Wednesday this week. 

That’s Not the Worst 

But for about 30 million Americans, temperatures of 100 F or higher might be expected! 

According to Science 

Heat advisories are already in place for the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Florida. These are the regions where dew points will boost the moisture in the air, which will make it more difficult to cool down. 

Humid Affairs 

FOX Weather Meteorologist Michael Estime says: “Basically, anytime you see dew point temperatures in the 60s and 70s, it means it is sticky, muggy and humid. It almost feels like after you get done taking a hot shower and you step outside of the shower, right, you feel all of that moisture. That’s what it feels like when dew points are in the mid and upper 70s. And then we have what’s called a heat index or what it feels like to exposed skin”. 

Some More at Risk 

The National Weather Service also emphasized the severity of the situation: “Keep in mind that the elderly, small children, people on medication, or with weight or alcohol problems are most susceptible to heat-related stresses”. 

Check Up on Each Other 

They also added: “This is especially true during a heatwave in areas where a more moderate climate prevails, such as Wisconsin. It’s a good idea to periodically check in with those most susceptible to the heat and help them obtain relief from the extreme heat and humidity”. 

Still Breaking Records 

Across California and Nevada, over 50 cities smashed heat records last week, including the hottest temperature ever recorded in Las Vegas: 120 F! 

More Deaths Than We Think 

Although approximately 37 heat-related deaths have been reported in the US thus far in July, officials say it’s likely an underestimate since investigations into these types of deaths could take months to complete.  

Stay Inside 

Mayo Clinic Dr. Jesse Bracamonte is warning everyone to be cautious: “Be careful with doing new activities that can get you dehydrated quickly, so acclimate to the heat and don’t go out during the warmest parts of the day”.

Cool Down 

Dr. Bracamonte also added: “Try to find the coolest parts of the day to keep yourself healthy and away from heat-related illness.”   

It’s Bad, but it Feels Worse 

AccuWeather forecasters have also warned that in addition to the sky-high temperatures, people must also brace themselves for the high humidity, which will make it feel hotter than what the thermostat says. 

Not Much Better on the Eastern Coast 

In the meantime, climate change continues to alter temperatures worldwide, but especially across the US. 

New York City’s high heat is expected to rise to 84 F on Saturday before jumping to 91 on Sunday. It’s expected to simmer in the 90s until Thursday. 

For Washington DC, the high is predicted to reach 93 on Saturday and then a boiling 101 on Tuesday. 

California’s Not Cooling Down 

For Central- and Southern California, excessive heat warnings remain in place until further notice. And for cities like Fresno and Redding, air temperatures have been predicted to remain in the triple digits. 

Melting in the Middle

Parts of Iowa and Nebraska have also been placed under excessive heat warnings, where Americans can expect feels-like temperatures up to 114 F through Monday.  

Heat AND a Hurricane? 

Although cooling a few degrees in the Houston area, over 500,000 residents were still without power on Saturday afternoon due to Hurricane Beryl, which continues to make matters miserable and hazardous. 

Power Us Up

Houston mayor’s, John Whitmire, said at a news conference on Friday that he had told the city’s power provider, CenterPoint Energy, that “right now, the focus is: Get the lights on.” 

According to officials in Harris County, including Houston, three deaths in the wake of Beryl’s destruction have been blamed on the heat.

Hot Nights 

It has been predicted that temperatures in Arlington, Texas, will reach 100 on Tuesday, at the same time when Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game is played there – even during the first pitch, which will be around 8 at night. 

Stay Hydrated 

Temperatures are also expected to continue rising during the weekend, with Atlanta possibly reaching around 100 on Monday. 

According to Mr. Bann, the Weather Service forecaster, “Be ready for it. Drink lots of fluids and stay cool as much as you can.”

Skip the Beach 

And those who are thinking that hitting the beach might cool them down, think again. 

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the warm air could result in water temperatures from Miami up to Washington bubbling up to 80 or 80 F this weekend – making it a few degrees hotter than average. 

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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Eli Mordechai.