Extreme heatwaves are continuing to spread across the country as meteorologists warn Americans to prepare for a hot and smoky summer. With the 235 out-of-control Canadian wildfires showing no signs of dying down, smoke has drifted south into the US and shrouded multiple cities including Chicago and Detroit in a thick haze.
There are no signs of the relief coming for the next week or longer, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Prediction Center.
Numerous air quality alerts were issued on Wednesday across north-eastern states including Maryland and Virginia.
In total, at least 80 million Americans have been placed under excessive heat alerts.
The heatwave has been blamed for at least 13 deaths in Texas and one in Louisiana blanketed the south on Thursday, as authorities warned of dangerous, triple-digit temperatures.
The Oklahoma department of wildlife conservation issued a public message to residents, urging them to drink primarily water amid the heatwave.
Extreme heat and humidity increased the potential for heat-related illnesses, and lingering power outages exacerbated the misery in some areas. Officials urged residents to stay hydrated, shelter in air-conditioned rooms and check on friends and neighbors.
The unusually high temperatures were brought on by a heat dome that has taxed the Texas power grid and brought record highs to parts of that state, according to meteorologists. That dome is spreading eastward and is expected to be centered over the mid-south by the weekend.
The National Weather Service in Memphis issued an excessive heat warning for west Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, north Mississippi and the bootheel of Missouri for Thursday and Friday as it forecast heat indexes to rise above 110F (43C).
The heat posed a challenge for residents of Memphis and other Shelby county cities who still had no power after strong storms on Sunday that produced winds of up to 90mph (145km/h) and knocked down trees and power lines.
To get some relief while waiting for power to be restored, John Manger, 74, and his wife were sitting in shady spots outside their sweltering home in the Memphis suburb of Bartlett and taking cold showers.
“I just suck it up, with a washcloth, towel, whatever. I just sit in my chair by the window, and maybe get a breeze,” said Manger, who is retired.
As of Thursday morning, more than 20,000 homes and businesses remained without power in the county, according to the local utility, Memphis Light, Gas and Water. Dozens of crews were working to restore power, the utility said.
“Please, please, PLEASE make frequent checks on your family members, friends and neighbors today, especially if they are part of a vulnerable population,” the city of Memphis said in a statement.
Cooling centers opened, and those seeking relief from the heat also were advised to go to splash pads, libraries and malls.
Eleven of the Texas heat-related deaths occurred in Webb county, which includes Laredo. The dead ranged in age from 60 to 80 years old, and many had other health conditions, according to the county medical examiner, Dr Corinne Stern. Also, two Florida residents died while hiking in extreme heat at Big Bend national park. In Louisiana, a 49-year-old man died on Sunday in Shreveport after he was found lying on a sidewalk.
In St Louis, the forecast called for temperatures of about 100F (38C) on Thursday and Friday, and 95F (35C) on Saturday before a slight cool-down on Sunday. Smoke from Canadian wildfires has combined with the heat and humidity to worsen air quality.
Gentry Trotter, who runs Cooldownstlouis.org, said volunteers were taking donated window air conditioners to the elderly and needy.
Trotter recently went into the home of an 83-year-old woman, measured the indoor temperature and found it was 105F (40.6C). Still, she refused to accept an air conditioner.
“Somebody needs to convince her that if she doesn’t have a blasting air conditioner, she’s going to die,” Trotter said.
A new survey by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) Research Institute has found that 53% of Americans reported that extreme weather events – including hurricanes, tornadoes, heatwaves, wildfires and flooding – had adversely affected their health.
In survey results reviewed by the Guardian, the institute found:
42% have experienced short-term injury or illness
23% report complications to an existing chronic condition
15% have suffered a long-term injury or a new chronic condition
Moreover, more than half of the respondents reported negative impacts on their property (51%), communities (58%) and feelings of general safety (65%) from extreme weather events.
• This article was amended on 30 June 2023. An earlier version referred to the “bootheel of Mississippi”; this should have been Missouri.
