U.S. Heat Wave: Extreme Temperature Set More Record Across Southern Region

Summers are usually pretty hot, but guess what? This summer is definitely standing out in some pretty significant ways!

It’s crazy! We’ve been witnessing some record-breaking temperatures in multiple cities. For instance, Phoenix had an unbelievable heat wave streak of nineteen consecutive days over 110 degrees. And get this, Death Valley hit a scorching 128 degrees last Sunday! These are temperatures we rarely see.

You’re not imagining things, my friend. This summer is far from typical. It’s all due to a combination of natural variations in the climate system and human-caused climate change, with a dash of El Niño thrown into the mix.

Stay cool out there and make sure to stay hydrated during this extraordinary summer! 🌞💦

In the summer, the desert heat in Phoenix has been coming earlier, getting much hotter, and sticking around for longer. For Thomas, it’s been tough because she can’t realistically or safely park her truck and wait for customers in such extreme heat wave. So, she’s come up with a different plan and decided to start a catering business for now.

The heat is really getting to her. She says it’s just plain miserable, like breathing in hot air all the time, even at night when the sun is down.

he US has been facing an unending heat wave for 39 days straight! People from California to Florida are all wondering the same thing: When will this heat wave finally stop? 🌞😓

Federal forecast

The weather experts at the federal level have put out warnings and advisories for excessive heat covering a large area of the U.S. This includes parts of California, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, the Dakotas, the desert Southwest, Texas, and also the southern tip of Florida. So, folks in these regions should be extra cautious and take necessary precautions during this hot spell.

The future forecast doesn’t look too good. The intense heat might stick around until August in the areas that have been hit the hardest. Even though there’s a small chance of cooler weather for some places during the weekend, unfortunately, as a heat dome moves west, new areas will start experiencing scorching temperatures. Stay prepared and safe during this heatwave! 🌡️🌞

Scorching Heat wave Deals a Crushing Blow to American Businesses

As the scorching heat wave blankets Phoenix and a significant portion of the United States, it’s not just affecting millions of Americans but also causing businesses to face higher costs and putting strain on the economy.

It’s challenging to determine the exact economic impact of this weather event due to its extensive coverage and various effects. However, recent studies indicate that extreme heat wave could lead to a staggering $100 billion yearly loss in the United States alone, mainly due to reduced productivity. If not addressed, it might even contribute to a significant decline in global economic activity, amounting to one-sixth by the year 2100.

Chris Lafakis, Moody’s Analytics’ director of economic research, highlighted the economic costs associated with heat stress caused by these heat waves and scorching summer temperatures. Among the impacts are mortality, disruptions in business operations, and added strain on regional power grids, leading to higher costs and limited availability of cooling solutions.

According to Kathy Baughman McLeod, the director of the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center at the Atlantic Council, the impact of heat on workers, especially those who work outdoors, is evident in reduced productivity. This is particularly pronounced in sectors like agriculture and construction, although no industry is spared from its effects. Even if employees work in air-conditioned environments at their workplace, they might not have the same comfort at home. This lack of restful sleep due to the heat can result in exhaustion and lower performance the next day.

Kathy emphasizes that the consequences of heat are so swift that our understanding of the risks involved is not keeping up. As employers, we might not fully grasp the challenges our workers are facing due to heat-related issues. It’s essential to recognize and address these concerns to ensure the well-being and productivity of our workforce.

Ice, Hydration, Shelter

In Holtville, California, where the temperature reached almost 115 degrees, Jack Vessey, a fourth-generation farmer, remains unfazed. His farming community, known as the “carrot capital of the world,” is accustomed to scorching weather in California’s Imperial County, the hottest in the West.

Even though the extreme heat is a regular occurrence, Vessey and his family prioritize the safety of their nearly 100 workers. They strictly follow the state’s regulations to prevent heat-related illnesses and ensure that everyone on the ranch has access to ice, water, and shade. They adjust their work schedule, starting a bit earlier and finishing a little earlier, to protect their workers from harm.

Meanwhile, in Texas, where hot summers are the norm, roofing companies like Roofer Chicks experience a slower season during this peak period of scorching heat.

Climate Change Effects

A recent study reveals that climate change played a significant role in intensifying the heat wave that affected Western Europe and Northwest Africa in April. According to the World Weather Attribution initiative, this extreme heat wave was made at least 100 times more likely to happen due to human-caused warming. Without this influence, such a heat wave would have been nearly impossible to occur.

Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles, points out that while natural variability continues to play a role, the impact of long-term human-caused warming is becoming more pronounced.

The influence of climate change is beginning to overshadow the usual fluctuations in temperature. In fact, there are no extreme heat events on Earth that can be considered unprecedented without being worsened by climate change. The evidence suggests that our actions are contributing significantly to these extreme heat events.

Extreme Heat Expected Until August

The hot streak will keep going next week and possibly into August in the Desert Southwest, Texas, and South Florida.

There’s a bit of hope for the Southwest as sporadic monsoonal rain might bring some temporary relief, but overall, it’ll still be hot. In areas where it does rain, the heat might feel even more intense due to extra moisture and higher humidity from Mexico.

The Climate Prediction Center says the next two weeks are likely to have above-normal temperatures in the Plains, parts of the South (including South Florida), and the Southwest. So, get ready for hot weather—it’s just a matter of how hot it’ll actually be.

If these predictions are correct, this heat wave could last for nearly two consecutive months, with over 50 days of scorching temperatures in the same areas. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and take care during this prolonged heat spell.

Heat Wave Breaks Records in Europe, Asia, and the U.S.