A prolonged heat wave that led to fatalities and record-breaking temperatures in the West is set to impact the U.S. once again on Monday. The East Coast is expected to experience triple-digit temperatures, raising concerns for residents’ safety.
On the weekend, a motorcyclist tragically lost their life in Death Valley due to the extreme heat. As global temperatures for June marked a record high for the 13th consecutive month, the heat wave intensified, with the world consistently being 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than pre-industrial levels, according to the European climate service Copernicus.
Approximately 36 million individuals, which is roughly 10% of the population, were under an excessive heat warning, the most severe alert issued by the National Weather Service. Numerous locations in the Western and Pacific Northwest regions either matched or exceeded previous heat records.
Death Valley National Park in California recorded a scorching high of 128 F (53.3 C) over the weekend, resulting in a fatality and hospitalization. A group of six motorcyclists were traversing the challenging terrain of Badwater Basin in intense heat, leading to the tragic incident.
One member of the group succumbed to heat exposure, while another was hospitalized with severe heat-related illness in Las Vegas, as emergency medical helicopters were unable to operate in temperatures exceeding 120 F (48.8 C). The park authorities emphasized the importance of caution during such extreme conditions to prevent heat-related emergencies.
In Las Vegas, a new record of 120 F (48.8 C) was set on Sunday, illustrating the widespread impact of the heat wave. Across Oregon, temperatures soared past previous records, with Salem reaching 103 F (39.4 C). The East Coast saw numerous areas with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, prompting safety advisories.
The Southwest faced unprecedented heat advisories, extending to higher-altitude regions like Lake Tahoe, where substantial heat risks were highlighted. Future forecasts predict even higher temperatures, with Furnace Creek in Death Valley potentially reaching 130 F (54.4 C) midweek.
While the official highest recorded temperature on Earth remains at 134 F (56.67 C) in Death Valley from 1913, recent measurements suggest a peak of 130 F (54.4 C) recorded in July 2021, casting doubts on the historical record as experts continue to analyze climatic data.
