Map Shows Cities Facing Lethal Temperatures This Week

Newsweek

2 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Five cities across the West and Southwest of the country are forecast to face "dangerously hot conditions" this week, the National Weather Service (NWS) has warned.
Cities in California, Arizona and Nevada are set to be hit with temperatures soaring as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas, prompting the NWS to caution that car interiors will reach "lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes."
"Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles," the agency warned.
Why It Matters
Extreme heat poses particular risk to vulnerable populations, such as older adults, young children, and those with certain medical conditions.
Dangerously hot conditions are reportedly responsible for around 700 deaths a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The NWS has warned in its new extreme heat warnings that "heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events."
What To Know
San Diego, in California, alongside Phoenix, Tuscon and Flagstaff, in Arizona, have all been issued extreme heat warnings by the NWS, while Las Vegas in Nevada has been put under an extreme heat watch.
NWS explained in its latest weather alerts that an extreme heat warning means that "a period of very hot temperatures, even by local standards, will occur."
As a result, "actions should be taken to lessen the impact of the extreme heat," the agency added.
Americans in these cities are expected to face temperatures ranging between 100 to 120 degrees, and may continue to experience these hot conditions over the next few days.
The NWS warns that overexposure to heat can cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion to develop, which can lead to heat stroke.
Residents of San Diego, Phoenix, Tuscon, Flagstaff and Las Vegas have been told to look out for the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and, if necessary, seek help as soon as possible.
Heat stroke is an "emergency," NWS said, adding people should call 911 if they believe they may be experiencing heat stroke.
Those residing in these cities should take extra precautions to stay safe in the dangerous conditions, particularly those who typically work or spend time outside.
The NWS advises rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening where possible, and to schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. People should ideally avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
People are also advised to wear lightweight and loose-fitted clothing, as well as drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and even eat lighter meals.
NWS said that public cooling shelters may also be available in some areas, and individuals can consult county officials for more details.
What People Are Saying
Jaime Madrigano, a professor of American health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Maryland, previously told Newsweek: "Heat isn't just uncomfortable, it can be hazardous to your health and even deadly. Classic signs of heat exposure include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which is potentially fatal; and these are all related to the body overheating. But it's important to note that those conditions which people most often think of as associated with heat exposure are just a small portion of the health impacts that we see when we look carefully at data from an extreme heat event."
What Happens Next
The NWS issues regular forecast updates on its website.