Over 75 million Americans under heat advisories amid massive heat wave

By oliviacook // 2024-06-20

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On Monday, June 17, more than 75 million people across the United States were under severe heat warnings as a major heat wave moved east. The mid-Atlantic and New England areas are expected to see temperatures in the 90s this week, with high humidity making it feel even hotter. The National Weather Service (NWS) mentioned that this could be one of the longest heat waves in decades in some places. The heat wave is particularly dangerous in places like Phoenix, Arizona, where 645 people died from heat-related causes last year. Temperatures there reportedly reached 112 degrees. Officials have been urging people to take precautions to stay hydrated and safe. Many parts of the Midwest and Northeast are under heat warnings or watches, showing how serious the situation is. Authorities are urging people to stay indoors and keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. In New York City, cooling centers have been opened to help residents cope with the heat. Mayor Eric Adams highlighted the seriousness of the situation, warning that a heat wave isn’t just uncomfortable – it can be deadly if you’re not prepared. In Chicago, the city's Department of Family and Support Services explained that city workers have been reaching out to the city's massive homeless population and providing them with aid by keeping them hydrated and fed and offering transportation to shelters that also serve as cooling centers. Chicago experienced a high of 97 degrees on Monday, breaking a record set back in 1957. The heat index, which accounts for both humidity and temperature climbed to more than 105 degrees, making it feel even hotter. For those in Phoenix and the surrounding areas, more than 100 cooling centers are available to provide relief from the heat. In different parts of the country, workers are adopting various measures to stay safe in the extreme temperatures. For instance, in Farmington Hills, Michigan, workers take breaks every 15 minutes and ensure they are well-hydrated. Chris Sander, owner of Powder Monkey Fireworks in three Missouri locations, makes sure his employees have access to air-conditioned areas and encourages them to take frequent breaks to cool down. NWS meteorologist Marc Chenard predicted record temperatures in cities, like Detroit and Philadelphia in the coming days, as well as in parts of Connecticut, Maine and New Hampshire. He noted that it is unusual to have such a prolonged heat wave this early in the season for the Ohio Valley and New England. NWS Phoenix meteorologist Ted Whitlock has been advising people to limit their time outdoors between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to avoid the day's peak heat. He also emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated and wearing light, loose-fitting clothing. (Related: Summer health 101: A simple guide to address 5 heat-related illnesses.)

Other parts of the U.S. dealing with different weather issues

While the Midwest and Northeast grapple with a heat wave, other regions of the country are dealing with different weather issues. In Roswell, New Mexico, temperatures rose to a record-high 104 degrees on Monday Similarly, southern Colorado is bracing for temperatures of over 100 degrees. for the rest of the week. Additionally, wildfires have led to the evacuation of a community of 7,000 people. In southern California, firefighters intensified efforts to control a wildfire in the mountains north of Los Angeles. Over the weekend, the fire had grown rapidly due to strong winds along Interstate 5. As of Monday, the Post Fire was eight percent contained after burning more than 24 square miles–forcing the evacuation of at least 1,200 campers, hikers and off-roaders from Hungry Valley recreation area on Saturday. While much of the U.S. experiences extreme heat, the northern Rockies are facing a different weather challenge. Late-season snow is reportedly expected on Monday and Tuesday, with parts of Montana and north-central Idaho under a winter storm warning. Higher elevations around Glacier National Park could see up to 20 inches of snow. Watch the following video about "Warning of potential grid shutdowns and DEW’S! Government pushing heat dome propaganda as a cover." This video is from the Alex Hammer channel on Brighteon.com.

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Other parts of the U.S. dealing with different weather issues

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