America’s summer of weather misery is expected to increase further this week as the Southwest braces for record temperatures never seen before.
Over the weekend, the National Weather Service issued a warning about the next excessive heat in what is already a scorching month, even by typical US desert standards. The advisory covers the entire Phoenix metro area and beyond into Arizona, and will remain in effect until at least Sunday. The warning came after a week of record global temperatures in what is expected to be the hottest month on record in the US, fueled by the El Niño pattern, as the climate crisis continues to spiral.
“We are still anticipating this current heat wave to continue into next week and likely beyond, rivaling some of the worst heat waves this area has ever seen. This week has been hot with temperatures averaging five degrees per above normal in the Phoenix area to a few degrees above normal in the western deserts, but there is high confidence that this heat will get even worse next week,” the National Weather Service (NWS). ) warned last friday
“From Tuesday through the rest of the week, temperatures across the region could be some of the hottest we’ve ever seen,” the government agency added, often with little cooling at night.
The NWS said temperatures next week will range from highs of 113 to 118 F (45 to 48 C) in the lower deserts on Wednesday and Thursday. He added that there are pockets of 5-10% chance of reaching a dangerous 120F (49C).
Temperatures could be on par with Phoenix second hottest day in history, which fell on July 28, 1995 when it reached 121F (49C). That day, the neighboring city of Yuma saw temperatures soar to 124 F (51 C), marking the city’s hottest day on record.
“The atmospheric configuration … also appears to have similarities to conditions on July 28, 1995, which caused Phoenix to reach 121 degrees and Yuma to reach 124 degrees,” the NWS said, adding: ” Even if we don’t get that hot during this current heat wave, it should be one of the longest, if not the longest, heat waves this area has ever seen.”
With the South West entering another unrelenting fire, the NWS warned it is “very essential” that all necessary precautions are taken as residents enter “very dangerous and life-threatening heat conditions”.
In addition to staying hydrated, the NWS he urged residents to use air conditioning when possible as fans may not be adequate; cancel outdoor activities during the heat of the day; check on the elderly, children and pets; and wear light, loose clothing.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warning signs and symptoms of heat-related illness include a fast, pounding pulse; muscle pain or spasms; light headed; fainting; hot, red, dry or moist skin; nausea; and heat rash, or red clusters of small pimple-like blisters on the skin.
“Don’t underestimate the dangers of this long-lasting heat wave,” the NWS said as it warned of a “very high risk” of heat-related illness for the entire population without protective action.
With the increasing regularity of unbearable temperatures, the latest heat advisory has prompted Phoenix authorities Close some local hiking trails, such as Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak, from 11 am to 5 pm through at least Thursday.
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Arizona State Parks issued a public notice that read: “Avoid a heat-related emergency and be smart about summer hiking: Get off the trail before the heat of the day (10-4pm) and bring extra water from whatever you think you need.”
Last Friday, Astrid Galván, publisher of Axios Latino, published a photo of an example of the impact of increased heat. “How bad is the Phoenix heat wave? The tar is melting off our new roof,” Galván he wrote.
In suburban Glendale, there are three new heat respite centers open for the city’s most vulnerable community members. Visitors can access free meals, water, shelter, haircuts and showers, as well as consult with caseworkers who provide resources on housing opportunities.
The latest high temperatures will follow what has already been a blistering summer in the US with millions of residents under heat alerts, following unusually early extreme and deadly summer storms. The record-breaking heat wave that hit Texas, Louisiana and northern Mexico last month was five times more likely to be caused by human-caused climate change, scientists say.
With heat rising in the US and the rest of the world, the UN Secretary General warned last week that “climate change is out of control”.
“If we persist in delaying the key measures that are needed, I think we are entering a catastrophic situation, as shown by the last two temperature records,” António Guterres said, referring to two world temperature records that were broken on Monday and last Tuesday. .
