US Heat Wave Claims Lives as Extreme Temperatures Persist in the West
A severe heat wave has put over 50 million people across the US under heat alerts, breaking records and causing multiple deaths, especially in the West. The National Weather Service warns that moderate to major heat risks are affecting much of the West and South.
California and Nevada are forecasted to see more record-breaking temperatures this week. By Thursday, the heat will extend to the Intermountain West and northern High Plains. In Oregon, four suspected heat-related deaths occurred over the weekend, prompting Multnomah County to declare a state of emergency due to extreme heat. Investigations are ongoing to confirm the exact causes of these deaths.
Numerous locations in the West and Pacific Northwest have set or tied heat records recently, with over 165 daily high temperature records expected to be broken this week. In California’s Death Valley, a motorcyclist died from heat exposure on Saturday when temperatures soared to 128 degrees Fahrenheit. Rescue efforts were challenging due to extreme heat hindering emergency medical flights.
Heat is the deadliest weather phenomenon in the US, causing more deaths annually than hurricanes and tornadoes combined. Over the Fourth of July weekend, Death Valley hit 128 degrees, breaking its daily record, while Northern California saw temperatures exceed 110 degrees. Phoenix, Arizona, set a new record for the highest low temperature at 92 degrees, and Las Vegas reached a record 120 degrees. Las Vegas has experienced over 110 degrees daily since Wednesday, potentially setting a new record for prolonged extreme heat.
On the East Coast, temperatures above 100 degrees were widespread. In Northern California, many areas surpassed 110 degrees, and Phoenix and Las Vegas set new records. Despite the intense heat, some events, such as the Portland Timbers soccer game, continued as planned.
Oregon saw record-breaking temperatures, with Salem hitting 103 degrees and Eugene reaching 103 degrees, surpassing records set in 1945. Even mountain areas, like South Lake Tahoe, experienced unusual heat, with Reno hitting new records at 105 and 106 degrees. This historic heat wave has highlighted the dangers of extreme temperatures and the need for caution and preparedness.