A dangerous heat wave is currently impacting various regions in the West, with record-breaking temperatures and a heightened risk of heat-related illnesses. The scorching heat has already resulted in multiple fatalities and hospitalizations due to heat-related conditions in different parts of the United States.
The peak of the extreme heat was experienced on Thursday in California and the Southwest, but the unseasonably hot weather is expected to persist in these areas and spread into the Pacific Northwest over the weekend. Heat alerts have been issued for over 16 million individuals in states such as California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico, with most alerts in effect until Friday. However, specific areas like Las Vegas and Death Valley, California, will remain under heat alerts until Saturday.
Thursday saw several temperature records shattered in California, Arizona, and Nevada. Death Valley, California, recorded a high of 122 degrees, breaking a daily record set back in 1996. Fresno tied a 121-year-old record with a temperature of 107 degrees. Phoenix experienced its first day this year with temperatures exceeding 110 degrees, reaching a high of 113 degrees, setting a new daily record. Las Vegas also hit 111 degrees on Thursday, marking the earliest occurrence of such high temperatures in the city and breaking the previous daily record set in 2010.
The public is urged to take precautions during this intense heat wave, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, and seeking shelter in air-conditioned spaces. It is essential to prioritize safety and well-being during these extreme weather conditions.
