Summer 2024 is marked by historic temperatures and successive heat waves with an unusual reach across the United States. A high-pressure dome over the West is expanding and moving south and east, bringing sizzling temperatures from the Pacific Northwest to the South in early August. More than 36 million Americans are under advisories, watches, or warnings for dangerous heat, with Plains states, the Gulf Coast, and the South all experiencing triple-digit highs. The West, Southwest, and Pacific Northwest are already feeling the effects of the high pressure dome, with excessive heat warnings over various regions.
The National Weather Service warns of the risk of heat-related illness in areas such as the Northwest, Rocky Mountains, desert Southwest, and Southern California. Residents are advised to take precautions such as shifting activities to nighttime, staying hydrated, and seeking air-conditioned spaces. Temperatures in the Imperial County deserts of Southern California are forecasted to reach the 110s, with a high-temperature ceiling of 125 degrees in some areas.
The Gulf Coast faces a combination of high temperatures and humidity, posing a significant risk for heat-related illnesses. While a cold front may provide some relief later in the week, the forecast remains dominated by hot weather. Climate Central emphasizes that extreme heat waves are exacerbated by climate change, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and action. As Summer 2024 unfolds with intense heat waves, Americans are urged to stay safe and take precautions to protect themselves from the extreme temperatures.
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