What is the cause of the heat wave in the United States and the most affected places? uses

An unprecedented heat wave has been recorded in the United States. People struggle with shadows when walking in the streets, in addition to having difficulty performing various tasks. However, the worst is yet to come, as new maximum temperature records are expected to be in play in mid-July. Learn more about your position Origin And what precautions should you take because heatstroke can be fatal.

From July 3 to 6, 2023, the planet’s average temperature has broken records for four consecutive days: it rose to 17.23 degrees Celsius (63.01 degrees Fahrenheit) this Thursday, according to . In this way, July 2023 is shaping up to be the hottest month in US history, as it is already affecting work in certain fields such as construction, according to National Weather Service (NWS).

What’s troubling is that according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a United Nations agency, these extreme heat waves could become the new normal. This situation will make the hurricane season in the Atlantic more intense, due to the record temperatures that have been recorded on the sea surface.

What causes a heat wave in the United States?

The increase in temperature is due to the onset of the El Niño phenomenon, which occurs in the tropical Pacific Ocean. According to the forecasts of the US Climate Agency (NOAA), its effects may last until 2024. Therefore, in the coming months, temperatures higher than the current ones are likely to be recorded. “The year 2024 is expected to be a record year if El Niño continues to be as strong as expectedCommented Omar Bodour, Head of Observation at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a United Nations agency.

See also  Canada allowed commercial cultivation of drought-tolerant HB4 soybeans

Added to the El Niño phenomenon is the acceleration of climate change.”Heatwaves will occur more frequently due to climate change “ensuring that” the link has been clearly demonstrated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changeexplained Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Meanwhile, Sparrow said the heat in the North Atlantic is not related to El Niño and is a phenomenon that is still under investigation.

What places in the United States will be most affected by a heat wave?

He explained that the southern United States was affected by the heat wave .

  • Arizona: The extreme heat wave will affect the Phoenix metropolitan area and surrounding areas. According to the warning, temperatures in the coming week will range from 113°F to 118°F on Wednesday and Thursday, adding that there is a 5% to 10% chance of reaching 120°F. The record high temperature in the Phoenix area is 121 degrees Fahrenheit, reached on July 28, 1995.
  • Texas: Most of Texas will see temperatures close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but because of the humidity there will be more wind chill and it will feel from 105 degrees Fahrenheit to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. This will affect Dallas, San Antonio, Waco, Austin and Houston. In the southern part of Texas, where McAllen is for example, you can see heat indices close to 115F.
  • Florida: An unusual heat is expected in the southern region. Last week, Miami experienced a heat index of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, this situation is not expected to change this week, even heat perception will be higher due to humidityAnd Brian McNoldy, a principal research associate at the University of Miami, said on Twitter. Water temperatures off the coast of Florida are much higher than normal, which could intensify the current heat wave and could make hurricane season worse.
  • California: Temperatures are expected to reach 44.4°C (111.2°F) in some parts of Los Angeles County as of Tuesday, July 12.
See also  The United Kingdom will invest approximately $60 million in military facilities in Gibraltar
A man dips his head to cool off at Barton Creek Pool on June 27, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo: AFP)

This must be done when it is very hot

Keep these recommendations in mind, because although it’s not as visible as damage from a hurricane or flood, heat is a silent killer affecting people’s lives and health. An average of 702 heat-related deaths occur each year in the United States, according to Statistics (CDC).

  • Slow down and reduce strenuous activity. For example, mow the lawn or garden early in the morning or late at night rather than at noon.
  • Wear lightweight, non-restrictive, light-colored clothing.
  • Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic fluids.
  • Find shade if you must be outdoors for long periods of time. Spend more time in places with air conditioning.
  • Find shade if you must be outdoors for long periods of time. Spend more time in places with air conditioning.
  • When you’re outside, take a dip frequently in the ocean or pool, or soak yourself with a bottle of water. When you’re indoors, take frequent cool baths or showers and use cold compresses to cool off.
  • Apply a high-SPF sunscreen frequently when outdoors.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of heat sickness.

Sacha Woodward

"Wannabe writer. Lifelong problem solver. Gamer. Incurable web guru. Professional music lover."

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top