As higher temperatures move eastward, the enduring heat wave continues to suffocate the southwest

CNN
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More than 85 million people were under a heat warning Saturday as a week-long heat wave continued and intensified in the Southwest.

Heat will increase in the south early next week.

“Daytime highs will typically be 10-20F above normal, equivalent to near-century daytime temperatures in the interior Northwest, 100-110F in central and southern California, and 115-120F+ in the high desert of southern California, southern Nevada, and Arizona,” according to Meteorological Center.

Temperatures above 100 are possible through Monday in the West and South.

Death Valley, California, may come out on top 130 degrees on Sunday. It has only happened five times in over 110 years of history

Phoenix temperature 110 degrees have been reached On consecutive days, at least until Wednesday.

Meanwhile, sultry conditions will persist over the south-central United States and southern Florida. Daytime highs in the 90s and oppressive humidity levels in the 100s will allow for frequent heat indexes of 105-110F each afternoon.

A heat advisory is in effect from Texas to Alabama, but not most of Georgia or Florida. A high of 100 degrees is forecast for Saturday in Houston. It could reach 96 in New Orleans and Jackson, Mississippi. Atlanta is only expected to reach a relatively mild 92.

And wildfire smoke from Canada will move into the Northern Plains and Midwest over the weekend and into early next week.

Concerns about power outages have been raised due to increased demand in the South West region. Some venues plan to close or cancel events early, including the Sacramento (Calif.) Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.

Areas of Arizona and Texas have been issued more than 30 consecutive days of dangerous heat warnings. Prolonged heat wave It has settled in parts of the west and south since mid-June.

Temperatures in the Phoenix area have failed to drop below 90 since Monday, dangerous for those without air conditioning if they can’t cool their bodies overnight and recover.

In Texas, El Paso broke its own high temperature record on Thursday after experiencing 28 straight days above 100 degrees. The weather service tweeted.

El Paso is expected to see temperatures of at least 103 degrees by the middle of next week, extending the streak to more than 30 days.

Elsewhere, much of eastern Texas saw heat indices of 110 to 115 degrees Thursday — the combined humidity and temperature.

Temperatures ranged from 100 to 108 across much of the state on Thursday, including 107 in Austin and Del Rio. The north Texas city of Wichita Falls broke the daily record of 110 degrees with a heat index of up to 118 degrees.

As the climate crisis continues to drive temperatures higher and higher, scientists have warned that the chances of an Earth impact by 2023 are increasing. Hottest year on record.

Heat kills more Americans than any other form of extreme weather, including floods, hurricanes or extreme cold. National Weather Service data.

Communities around the world are already feeling the devastation of these extreme temperatures, including one Texas county At least 11 heat-related deaths During last month’s heat wave. In Mexico, At least 112 people They died due to extreme heat since March.

As our bodies struggle to regulate their temperature, excess heat can make it harder for the body to cool down, and excess humidity can make that struggle even worse.

When the body is unable to cool itself, illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke – which can lead to death – can develop.

The risks of heat exposure are especially high for the homeless, outdoor workers, low-income families, communities of color, and the elderly.

To be safe in hot temperatures, Experts recommend Stay hydrated, find a cool or air-conditioned place to stay, and avoid outdoor activities, especially during the hottest hours of the day.

People should also watch for symptoms of other illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or mild dizziness, nausea, headache or confusion.