A severe heatwave has engulfed the United States, leaving millions of Americans struggling to cope with record-breaking temperatures.
The intense heat has not only shattered temperature records but also posed significant health risks and disrupted daily life across the country.
Record-Breaking Temperatures across the US
The ongoing heatwave, which began in early July, has shattered temperature records across the United States.
Notably, Death Valley, California, recorded a blistering 129°F (53.9°C) on July 7, surpassing its previous record of 128°F (53.3°C) set in 2022.
Las Vegas, Nevada, also broke its all-time heat record, reaching 120°F (48.9°C) on the same day.
Meanwhile, Phoenix, Arizona, has tragically witnessed 13 heat-related deaths in 2024, with 160 additional unconfirmed cases. Palm Springs, California, reached 124°F (51°C) on July 5, breaking its previous record of 123°F (50.6°C) set in 2013.
The heatwave isn’t confined to the western states; it has spread to the Midwest and Northeast.
Cities in these regions are experiencing triple-digit temperatures, prompting the opening of cooling centers to protect vulnerable populations.
New York City hit 104°F (40°C) on July 6, surpassing its 2012 record of 102°F (39°C). Similarly, Boston, Massachusetts, reached 100°F (38°C) on July 5, breaking its previous record of 98°F (37°C) from 2012.
Health Risks and Economic Disruptions
The intense heatwave has led to a surge in heat-related illnesses, with emergency room visits rising in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Schools in Massachusetts without air conditioning have closed to safeguard students and teachers.
In New York and New Jersey, sagging electric wires due to extreme heat disrupted train services, leaving commuters stranded.
Additionally, agricultural activities have been severely impacted, affecting crops and livestock.
This heatwave is part of a broader global trend of early-season heat. Countries across the Americas, Europe, and Asia have experienced record temperatures.
In Mexico and Central America, persistent heat combined with drought resulted in severe water shortages and numerous deaths.
During the Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia witnessed over 1,000 fatalities due to extreme temperatures, with the Grand Mosque in Mecca reaching 125°F (51.8°C) on June 17.
Global Warming To Make Heatwaves More Frequent and Intense
Scientists attribute the severity and extent of these heatwaves to human-caused climate change. Today, heatwaves are two to four times more likely due to climate change, occurring even outside the peak of summer.
The global average temperature is approximately 2.2°F (1.2°C) warmer than pre-industrial levels, and this trend is expected to continue.
The 2024 heatwave is part of a larger pattern of extreme weather events—droughts, wildfires, and storms—all linked to climate change.
The heatwave in the US is not just a summer phenomenon but a symptom of a rapidly changing climate. As the world continues to warm, the risks and impacts of extreme heat will only increase.
Going forward, the projections are dire. If current greenhouse gas emissions trends continue, global temperatures are on pace to more than double the 1.5°C warming threshold set in the Paris Agreement by the end of the century. This would lead to even hotter and more extreme heatwaves becoming the new normal, posing grave threats to public health, infrastructure, agriculture, and the economy.
To protect yourself during a heatwave, keep these in mind:
- Stay cool by seeking air-conditioned buildings, using fans and AC, and taking cool showers
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating small, frequent meals
- Limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day and wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Check on family, friends and neighbors, especially the vulnerable, and be alert for signs of heat-related illness.
Read more: How to Stay Safe During a Heatwave
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