Roughly 130 million people in the United States were under threat from a severe and prolonged heatwave over the weekend and into the following week. The heatwave has already shattered records with dangerously high temperatures and is projected to break more records from the East Coast to the West Coast, according to forecasters. Jacob Asherman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, warned that oppressive heat and humidity could push temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the Pacific Northwest, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Northeast.
In Oregon, cities like Eugene, Portland, and Salem are expected to break records, leading millions to seek relief from the scorching heat in cooling centers across the country. At the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon, attendees battled the heat by staying hydrated, seeking shade, and taking refuge under water misters. Angela Quiroz, 31, mentioned the stark contrast between being in the shade and the sun, emphasizing the intense heat when exposed to direct sunlight.
In Death Valley, California, known as one of the hottest places on Earth, a new heat record was set with temperatures reaching 127 degrees Fahrenheit. More extreme highs are predicted, with temperatures expected to soar to around 130 degrees through Wednesday. The Eastern U.S. is also preparing for high temperatures, with parts of Maryland under an excessive heat warning, including Baltimore, where heat index values could reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
The National Weather Service advised people to stay indoors, drink plenty of fluids, and look out for the vulnerable, including young children and pets, during the heatwave. Tragically, heat-related deaths have begun to occur, with at least 13 confirmed heat-related deaths in Arizona’s Maricopa County. In Phoenix, a 10-year-old boy died from a “heat-related medical event” while hiking at South Mountain Park and Preserve.
The extreme heat is expected to persist across much of the West and the Mid-Atlantic, with temperatures 15 to 30 degrees higher than usual. Authorities urge the public to take precautions to stay safe and cool during this challenging weather period.
