An “extreme heat wave” is affecting millions of Americans over the weekend, with a wildfire in California and record temperatures recorded in the central and northeastern United States.
“Extreme temperatures will continue in the central United States this weekend and extend to the northeast, with record temperatures expected to be reached in the region today (23) and Sunday (24),” the National Weather Service (NWS) said in a statement.
High temperatures will encourage the threat of “severe weather events” such as hail, winds and hurricanes in the northern Midwest, according to the NWS.
The suffocating heat wave, which shows the threat posed by global warming, was especially felt in Washington, where the maximum temperature reached 38ºC. The New York average was 35ºC.
Temperatures can also reach 43 degrees Celsius in parts of western Utah, southern Arizona, and the northeastern United States, according to the NWS.
Boston can reach 37ºC on Sunday. Mayor Michelle Wu has declared a “heat emergency” with municipal open cooling zones and taller outdoor swimming pools.
Heat increases the risk of fire. In the west, a wildfire called “Oak” broke out in Mariposa County near Yosemite National Park on Friday.
Over 2,500 hectares, the Oak Fire destroyed 10 properties and damaged five properties. According to forest officials, the fire was not yet under control on Saturday morning.
There have been several heatwaves around the world this year, as in July in Western Europe and in India in March and April. According to scientists, the increase in temperature is a clear sign of climate change.
In June 2021, a massive and dense “heat dome” swept the west coast of the United States and Canada, killing more than 500 people and causing massive wildfires with temperatures approaching 50°C.
source: Noticias
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