A “dangerous” heat wave gripped the southwestern United States on Tuesday and extreme temperatures are expected for the next week.
Meteorologists said that the temperature could reach 44º Celsius in the densely populated suburbs of Los Angeles, as a heat wave sets in across parts of California, Nevada and Arizona.
“Dangerously hot conditions are expected throughout the week,” warned the National Weather Service (NWS).
“A prolonged period of excessive heat will significantly increase the chance of heat-related illness, particularly for those who work or participate in outdoor activities,” the NWS warned.
“Those without access to spaces to cool down or adequate hydration will be in greater danger, however the majority of the population could also suffer the impact.”
The heat was already felt this Tuesday in the outskirts of Los Angeles.
David Sweet, an NWS meteorologist in Oxnard, California, predicted it will get worse. “We’re looking at a heat wave starting on Wednesday and going through at least Monday of next week,” he told AFP.
“During that time, we will monitor whether conditions are sufficient to issue an excessive heat warning,” it added.
It’s not unusual for Southern California to experience heat waves in September, however temperatures of nearly 100 degrees are considered too high even for the area.
The heat wave comes after swaths of the southeastern state have been lashed with torrential rain in recent weeks.
Scientists say global warming is causing natural variations in climate they become extreme.
Heat waves are getting more intense, while storms are more powerful and more dangerous.
As Florida heats up, experts take action on energy costs
The heat is on in the United States, especially in Florida. It is even supposed to be one of the greatest records of all time, the like of which has never been experienced, according to recorded history.
In recent weeks, headlines have announced that extreme heat will be a reality for more than 100 million Americans in the next 30 years.
And while it’s already hot enough in South Florida, according to a new climate report from the First Street Foundation, it’s about to get even hotter, with heat indexes soaring to 105 degrees.
Jane Gilbert is the world’s first Chief Heat Officer, appointed by Miami-Dade Mayor Daniela Levine Cava since last year to begin mitigate the increasing risks of extreme heat for Miami Dade residents.
“It has already started to accelerate. We’re going to see that speed up, particularly if we continue to put more gases into the atmosphere that will continue to warm us,” Gilbert said.
In addition, Gilbert also says that it is the poorest neighborhoods that will bear the brunt.
“The areas with the highest poverty rates are also our hottest areas of the city. They are urban heat islands because they have lower tree canopies, less permeable surfaces, and those are not only higher during the day, but also radiate heat at night,” said the expert.
Separately, Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami are now working with Keep Safe Florida, a program initiated by Enterprise Community Partners, to help affordable housing properties adapt to the pending impacts of climate change.
It is a project that was originally launched by the City of Miami. “Programs like this help. We are asking our developers to create their buildings to address climate and resiliency, to make them last longer,” said City of Miami District 5 Commissioner Christine King.
*With information from AFP.