The summer of 2024 is off to a scorching start, with almost 72 million people under warnings of extreme heat according to the National Weather Service. Cities like Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and New York City are all experiencing extreme heat advisories, with temperatures soaring above 90 degrees for a vast portion of the population.
Potentially Fatal Heat Risks
The severity of this heat wave cannot be underestimated, as the risk warnings range from moderate to extreme. Heat-related health impacts are likely, and there is a significant risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. With temperatures above 90 degrees for over 150 million people and over 100 degrees for 9 million, the heat alerts are widespread from Iowa to Maine.
Forecasters are predicting that this heat wave could stretch through Friday and possibly even beyond. The high pressure system causing this extreme heat, known as an upper-level ridge, is expanding over the Midwest and East Coast, leading to clear skies, stable air, and record-breaking temperatures. Some areas could see temperatures as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with temperatures reaching up to 25 degrees above normal for many regions.
Health Precautions and Safety Measures
Authorities are urging people to take precautions to stay safe during this extreme heat wave. The Nevada Division of Emergency Management has warned against relying on fans for cooling and instead recommends seeking air-conditioned spaces like libraries and shopping malls. Cooling centers have been opened across the Southwest to provide relief for those in need.
Potential Record-Breaking Heat in Numerous Cities
The National Weather Service has warned that new temperature records could be set in approximately 200 cities across the Ohio Valley, lower Great Lakes, northern mid-Atlantic, and the Northeast. Pittsburgh’s weather service office has even gone as far as to label this heat wave as potentially the most impactful of the 21st century.
The extreme heat is already impacting daily life for many, with schools like Buffalo Public Schools implementing half-days to ensure the safety of their students. Nights are providing minimal relief, with temperatures expected to dip into the upper 60s and 70s. However, the heat is also bringing about other challenges, such as the risk of flash flooding in the Dakotas and Minnesota, as well as rain and potential tropical storms in parts of Texas and Louisiana.
The summer of 2024 is shaping up to be a record-breaking and potentially dangerous season of extreme heat. It is crucial for individuals to take necessary precautions, stay informed, and prioritize their safety during this unprecedented heat wave.
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