Dangerous and potentially deadly heat will set in over the southwestern states over the next few days, with temperatures in some places expected to break records and exceed 110 degrees.
More than 22 million people in California, Nevada and Arizona are under some sort of heat warning for at least part of the weekend, the National Weather Service said. Heat is defined as a period of unusually and unpleasantly hot and unusually humid weather that lasts two or more days.
“Please beware,” the Phoenix Meteorological Office told its residents, while the Sacramento office warned that the heat would affect everyone, not just those most vulnerable to heat risk. Meteorologists in San Diego have advised residents to learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is the forecast?
It will be dry and very hot. A warning of excessive heat is in effect until Sunday night for the San Diego area, where temperatures are forecast to reach 117 degrees. Similar hot conditions were expected around the Grand Canyon and other parts of central Arizona, including Flagstaff. Las Vegas, a city accustomed to high temperatures, can reach 110 degrees. Some of the most extreme heat is forecast in Death Valley, along the California-Nevada border, where mercury could rise to 121 degrees.
Until Saturday, excessive heat monitoring was in effect for much of California from Sacramento to Los Angeles. Temperatures of up to 106 degrees are expected in the San Joaquin Valley and the lower foothills of the Sierra Nevada, while maximums around the Gulf region could reach 102 degrees. In Los Angeles, temperatures can reach 105 degrees.
A small part of Northern California and Western Nevada were under heat warnings at least until Friday. Temperatures in the region are expected to reach around 100 degrees.
How bad will it be?
Don’t expect the heat to subside soon. This is the beginning of a potentially hot summer.
In a report released last month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said temperatures were likely in almost all of the lower 48 states in June, July and August, except for small areas in the Pacific and North Plains. In addition to high temperatures, the agency expects lower than normal rainfall in the western part, which continues to face severe drought.
What precautions should I take?
This is the first hot event of the summer season, meteorologists said, adding that many people have not yet acclimatized to the heat and may be affected more than normal by high temperatures.
Forecasters said now was a good time to ensure cooling systems were in good working order. They also said to stay in air-conditioned rooms and reminded residents that children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles.
As always, maintaining hydration during hot events is key. Drink more water than normal and avoid dehydrating alcohol, sugar or caffeinated beverages.
What is the heat index?
The heat index is a measure of how hot it really feels outside when humidity and other factors are taken into account along with temperature, according to Kimberly McMahon, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
While the heat index is routinely used to provide a more accurate measure of outdoor sensations, meteorologists also use it to show exactly how much heat the human body can tolerate. Dizziness, thirst and heavy sweating are signs of heat exhaustion, according to the meteorological service. Signs of heat stroke are more serious and may include confusion and unconsciousness, in which case call 911 and move the person to a cooler place.
When will it end?
Depending on the location, most heat-related signals will run until Saturday night or Sunday night.
The last heat waves were deadly.
Late last month, blazing heat and humidity tied or broke heat records in cities from Texas to Massachusetts. And last summer, record heat over the Pacific Northwest killed hundreds of people and endangered the health of workers in fields and warehouses.
The deadly weather event would be almost impossible without climate change, according to a team of researchers.
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