Searing Heat Wave Grips U.S., Causes Deaths in the West
California, The Gulf Observer: A prolonged heat wave that has been devastating the western United States is set to intensify and extend its reach on Monday, bringing triple-digit temperatures to large swaths of the East Coast. The extreme heat has already claimed lives and shattered records over the weekend.
In Death Valley, the heat proved fatal for a motorcyclist, underscoring the severity of the current conditions. The U.S. heat wave aligns with a global trend of rising temperatures. According to the European climate service Copernicus, June marked the 13th consecutive month of record-high global temperatures, with the world being 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than pre-industrial levels for the 12th straight month.
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning, its highest alert level, affecting approximately 36 million people, or about 10% of the U.S. population. Meteorologist Bryan Jackson noted that numerous locations in the West and Pacific Northwest have either tied or broken previous heat records. Notably, Death Valley National Park in eastern California recorded a staggering high of 128 F (53.3 C) on both Saturday and Sunday. Tragically, a visitor died from heat exposure on Saturday, and another person has been hospitalized, officials reported.
As the heat wave continues to grip the nation, authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the dangerously high temperatures.
