Summer 2024 is proving to be memorable not just for its historic temperatures, but also for its successive heat waves with unusual geographic reach. Federal forecasters are predicting that a high pressure dome over the West will spread sizzling temperatures from the Pacific Northwest to the South for much of the first full week of August. More than 36 million Americans are under advisories, watches, or warnings for dangerous heat, with temperatures nearing 105 degrees Fahrenheit expected in Plains states like Montana, North Dakota, and Texas.
The Gulf Coast and the South are also facing triple-digit highs, with Louisiana and Mississippi expected to experience extremely hot temperatures. The West, Southwest, and Pacific Northwest are already experiencing high temperatures due to the high pressure dome. The National Weather Service warns of excessive heat warnings in several regions, including parts of the Pacific Northwest, Great Basin, and Southeastern California, as well as heat advisories in other areas.
Areas of concern include the interior regions of the Northwest, the Rocky Mountains, the desert Southwest, and Southern California, where high daytime temperatures are expected to be paired with oppressive nighttime heat. The prolonged heat is increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses, prompting warnings for residents to stay hydrated, seek air conditioned environments, and shift activities to nighttime.
The Gulf Coast is also at risk, with the combination of high temperatures and humidity leading to a high heat index. While a cold front may bring some relief later in the week, the forecast remains hot. Climate Central notes that extreme heat waves are becoming more likely due to climate change, emphasizing the need for awareness and action to address the impacts of global warming.
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