The National Weather Service has issued a “Heat Wave Warning” for the United States, stating that “Dangerous Levels” could be reached this week, affecting 100 million Americans across several states ranging from Texas, Louisiana, to Kansas and Missouri.
The summer heat is becoming unbearable, with forecasters issuing excessive heat warnings or advisories to nearly 100 million Americans this week. According to the National Weather Service, “dangerous heat” is expected to affect a large portion of the country, including states ranging from Texas and Louisiana to Kansas and Missouri.
According to reports from London, a heat wave is sweeping across Europe, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius on a single day, sending Londoners to the nearest air conditioner and fan shops to cool off.
Politicians are blaming global warming for climate change, which is causing unusual heat waves in countries that have never experienced such temperatures.
A number of states have also issued heat advisories, with most areas expected to reach the high 90s (Fahrenheit) and others, including Phantom Ranch, Ariz., on track to reach 114 degrees. Amarillo, Texas, is expected to reach 113 degrees, while Shreveport, Louisiana, will reach 108 degrees, according to a report in USA Today citing NWS sources.
Forecasters predict that Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas will bear the brunt of the highest temperatures.
“This warning is reserved for only the hottest days of the year and is issued when temperatures are expected to rise to dangerous levels,” the National Weather Service wrote in an excessive heat warning.
When the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105 degrees or higher for at least two days and temperatures will not fall below 75 degrees, the Weather Service issues an excessive heat warning. A heat advisory is issued when temperatures are expected to reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit for at least two days.
According to the Weather Service, the “extreme heat” will last through the week and spread across the Northeast on Wednesday. The southern Plains and lower Mississippi River Valley receive the majority of the excessive heat warnings.
Heat advisories have also been issued in parts of the Northeast, from Philadelphia to Boston. The heat index is expected to reach 100 degrees in those areas.
According to the Weather Service, the heat index is how hot it feels when humidity is added to the actual air temperature. The heat index will be 105 if the relative humidity reaches 70% and the temperature is 90 degrees.
Aside from high temperatures, several states are experiencing increased fire danger. The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for parts of Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. According to USA Today, these warnings indicate that weather conditions such as high heat, low humidity, and strong winds, combined with dry vegetation, are creating an ideal environment for wildfires to quickly spread out of control.
Almost 90 large fires are currently burning in 13 states, with 58 in Alaska alone. As of Tuesday, large fires in the United States had consumed over 3 million acres. In McGrath, Alaska, the largest active wildfire is 865,620 acres wide. It is 56% contained and is expected to be completely contained by August 1.
The Weather Service advises people to take extra precautions when going outside, such as drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room, and staying out of the sun. “If you work or spend time outside, take extra precautions. When possible, move strenuous activities to the early morning or late evening. Understand the symptoms and signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke “The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory.
As the temperature rises, it is critical to understand the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Dizziness, profuse sweating, pale skin, nausea, a weak pulse, and muscle cramps are all symptoms of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke can cause a pulsating headache, dry skin, nausea, and even loss of consciousness. If you are experiencing these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately and try to relax.
