Extreme heat is currently affecting over 132 million people across the US, with both the West and East coasts experiencing record-breaking temperatures. The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for several regions, warning that these conditions can be dangerous and potentially deadly if not taken seriously. In the Pacific Northwest, cities such as Portland and Salem in Oregon, as well as Vancouver in Washington, have already broken daily high temperature records. In Salem, the high reached 103 degrees on Friday – surpassing the previous record of 99 degrees set in 1960. Further south, Death Valley in California and Las Vegas and Lake Havasu City in Arizona are expected to see temperatures exceeding 110 degrees. In Santa Barbara, Calif., extreme heat was coupled with large plumes of smoke from the Lake Fire that began on Friday, which has burned over 12,000 acres as of Saturday afternoon according to CalFire. On the East Coast, major cities like Philadelphia and Trenton in New Jersey are under excessive heat warnings through Saturday night, with heat indexes forecast to reach 106 degrees. In Maryland along the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore and Washington D.C., are also under excessive heat warnings, with heat indexes expected to reach 110 degrees on Saturday. Across the south, parts of southeast Alabama, Florida's Panhandle and south Georgia are forecast to see heat indexes reach over 100 degrees.
Researchers warn that some neighborhoods on the east side of Portland, such as Parkrose and Lents, are considered urban heat islands. These areas can run 10 to 20 degrees hotter than other parts of the city due to high concentrations of asphalt, large buildings and a lack of trees. People living in these areas are advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and check on their elderly neighbors.
The extreme heat has already taken lives – a homeless man in San Jose, California died due to the heat on Tuesday. A 10-year-old child died in Arizona after experiencing a heat-related emergency while hiking. A 69-year-old hiker from Austin, Texas also died at the Grand Canyon due to the heat.
Despite these dangerous conditions, some people continue to work outside. Farm workers took a water break in the shade in Camarillo, Calif., and Gov. Tina Kotek of Oregon has declared a statewide heat emergency due to the extreme heat and its duration. Portland is forecast to hover around 100 degrees for five straight days starting Friday, which once would have been considered unusual for a region where summers are so mild that people rarely need air-conditioners.
The record-breaking temperatures and their duration present a clear and present danger, particularly for children, elders, people with disabilities and those who work outside. It is important to stay informed about the heat advisories in your area and take necessary precautions to protect yourself from the extreme heat.
