...
By Billal Rahman and Marni Rose McFall
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Five people died as a result of a searing heatwave that is currently sweeping the U.S., according to the Associated Press.
The Context
The excessively high temperatures have prompted widespread heat alerts, affecting over 146 million people across the U.S.
Read More on U.S.
Read more: Start Growing Your Emergency Fund Today
Those living in western states are particularly affected, as that is where the highest temperatures have hit. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an excessive heat warning, cautioning citizens that temperatures may hit 105 or higher in areas that have over 35 million residents.
...
Heat-related illnesses cause at least 1,000 deaths per year, according to the NWS.
Children, elderly people, pregnant women and the disabled community are at a higher risk of falling ill under extreme heat.
Read more: What Is a Health Savings Account?
Symptoms of heat-related illness may include muscle cramps, headaches, nausea, confusion and loss of consciousness.
People are advised to stay hydrated and wear loose clothing. Access to air conditioning can reduce the risk of illness. Those who are outdoors are advised to take frequent breaks in shaded areas.
What We Know
The recent heatwave has been particularly devastating in the Pacific Northwest and California.
Read more: How to Build an Emergency Fund
In Oregon, four suspected heat-related deaths occurred in the Portland area. The Associated Press reported that three deaths involved people between the ages of 64 and 84.
Heat was also a suspected cause of death for a 33-year-old man taken to a hospital in Portland, according to AP.
Portland has experienced record-breaking temperatures on consecutive days, with a forecast high of 103 F expected on Tuesday according to the NWS.
The intense heat is forecast to persist through Tuesday evening, potentially setting more records. NWS meteorologist Hannah Chandler-Cooley said in a statement: "We are looking at the potential for breaking more records."
ABC News also reported that a visiting motorcyclist died from heat exposure in California's Death Valley, where temperatures soared to a staggering 127.94 degrees Fahrenheit over the weekend.
The park is still attracting hundreds of tourists despite the desolate region being known as one of the hottest places on Earth.
The NWS has issued its highest alert, an excessive heat warning, for states including California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix have also recorded historically high temperatures, exacerbating the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
...
What's Next?
The NWS has issued a warning about increased wildfire risks in western states, according to the ABC News. The heat wave could lead to a more active wildfire season due to increased evaporation rates and dried-out soils.
In Santa Barbara, Southern California, residents were ordered to evacuate areas where a fire grew to nearly 83 square kilometers. The evacuation orders included the former Neverland Ranch which was owned by Michael Jackson, according to The Associated Press.
In a statement posted on X, the NWS said: "Dangerous heat continues for much of the West this week. Numerous locations will see record-high temperatures."
Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about the heat wave? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines