More than 80 million people woke up on Sunday to find themselves under excessive heat warnings or advisories in the western and southern states of the US.
These regions are currently experiencing relentless, record-breaking temperatures that are affecting large areas of the country.
Areas bracing for widespread record highs
The National Weather Service (NWS) has cautioned about a “widespread and oppressive heat wave” that extends from the West to the South, with scorching temperatures expected to persist throughout the upcoming week. This poses significant health risks for millions of individuals.
According to a report from NWS on Sunday morning, it anticipates widespread record-breaking high temperatures and warm daily minimums in various parts of the Southwest, western Gulf Coast, and South Florida.
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Power conservation measures implemented
In an effort to manage the high demand for electricity, residents of the metropolis have been requested to conserve power from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Saturday through Monday.
Southern Californians experienced scorching temperatures on Saturday, with thermometers reaching 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit (41-43 Celsius). They now face another day of similarly brutal temperatures, as the mercury is expected to surpass 115F (46C) in parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona, according to the NWS.
By Saturday afternoon, Death Valley in California, considered as one of the hottest places on Earth, had reached a life-threatening temperature of 124F (51C). Sunday’s peak is predicted to soar as high as 129F (54C).
On Saturday, the town of Idyllwild, located east of Los Angeles and approximately 5,400 feet (1,645 meters) above sea level, surpassed its previous record by reaching 100F. Meanwhile, Imperial, California, situated east of San Diego, tied its daily record of 116F.
Leading weather-related cause of death
The NWS has highlighted that heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States and has urged Americans to take the risk seriously.
As stated by the NWS, as of this morning, more than 80 million people across South Florida, the Gulf Coast, and the Southwest remain under either an Excessive Heat Warning or Heat Advisory.
Authorities have been issuing warnings for days, advising people to avoid outdoor activities during the day and to remain properly hydrated, as dehydration can quickly become fatal in such extreme temperatures.
In Arizona, the state capital Phoenix has endured 16 consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 109F. On Saturday afternoon, temperatures reached 118F, and overnight temperatures remained above 90F (32C).
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