More than 90 million Americans are facing excessive heat warnings and forecasters have warned of “dangerously hot conditions” over the next 24 hours.
“Numerous record highs are forecast to be tied and/or broken today in the Northeast,” the National Weather Service said. The mercury could hit 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit taking humidity into account. “The extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” according to the NWS.
The NOAA’s National Center for Environmental Information said that in the last 30 days, 1,403 daily high-temperature records and 2,856 records for warmest overnight low temperature have been set or tied.
At least one heat-related death was reported in New York where a heat advisory remains in place.
In Texas, the regions around Houston, Austin and San Antonio are expected to record temperatures over 100 degrees on Sunday.
Boston reached temperatures as high as 99 degrees on Sunday, which the NWS said broke the 1933 record for the city’s highest temperature.
State of emergency after California fire
More than 6,000 people have been evacuated and 10 homes destroyed as a state of emergency was declared in part of California after the largest active wildfire in the U.S. spreads near Yosemite National Park. More than 400 firefighters were battling the latest California fire, using helicopters, other aircraft and bulldozers to bring the flames under control.
June 2022 – Earth’s 6th-warmest on record
The average global temperature of June 2022 was ranked sixth warmest on record. In addition, global sea ice reached near-record lows last month, with Antarctica seeing its lowest June ice coverage on record, according to scientists from NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI).
Climate-resiliency grants
Last week, President Bide announced $2.3 billion to help build infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather and natural disasters to help Americans cope with the extreme heat. But he stopped short of officially declaring a climate emergency.
The climate-resiliency grants would help states and tribes prepare for natural disasters, making it easier for low-income families to purchase air conditioners, and paving the way for offshore wind development in the Gulf of Mexico.
The funding “will help communities increase resilience to heat waves, drought, wildfires, flood, hurricanes, and other hazards by preparing before disaster strikes” and expand access to home air conditioners and community cooling centers.
Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year.
Safety Tips
Here are some important tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stay safe:
- Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as you can.
- Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Schedule outdoor activities carefully.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
- Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
- Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
- Never leave children or pets in cars.
- Check the local news for health and safety updates.
