Millions Issued Urgent Child and Pet Warning Across Multiple States
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Millions of people across swathes of the United States, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, have been issued urgent safety alerts about their children and pets amid concerns over dangerously hot conditions.
Why It Matters
Prolonged exposure during heat waves—including being in hot vehicles—poses an acute, preventable risk to vulnerable people and animals.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that heat-related illnesses "increase significantly during extreme heat," and that heat stroke is an emergency.
"There is a high risk for dangerous heat illness for anyone, especially for the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning, and those active outdoors," it said.
A sign warning of extreme heat in Death Valley National Park in California in 2023.
A sign warning of extreme heat in Death Valley National Park in California in 2023.
Ty ONeil/AP
What To Know
The NWS has issued extreme heat warnings and advisories across numerous states on Monday and Tuesday, including in Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
For some of the affected areas, the NWS warned: "Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes."
Extreme heat warnings are in effect on Monday in Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon and Washington. The warnings mean that a period of very hot temperatures, even by local standards, will occur.
"Action should be taken to lessen the impact of the extreme heat," the NWS said.
In Nevada, temperatures are forecast to reach 114 degrees Fahrenheit around Las Vegas, the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and the eastern Mojave Desert. Temperatures may also reach 122 F at Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park.
In California, the warning is in effect for southeastern counties, with temperatures forecast to reach 111 F in Indian Wells Valley; and 115 F in Coachella Valley and San Diego County deserts.
In Arizona, temperatures could reach 113 F around the Phoenix Metro Area, and 116 F around Yuma.
In Oregon, temperatures could reach 105 F in northern counties, including urban areas such as Portland and Salem. Temperatures could also reach 102 F in southern Washington state.
Heat advisories have also been issued in Idaho, Mississippi, Louisiana, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
On Monday, temperatures could reach 109 F in southwest Mississippi and northeast Louisiana; 99 F across large swathes of Maine; and the mid-90s in southern New Hampshire. On Tuesday, northwest Vermont and northeast New York could also see temperatures in the mid-90s.
What People Are Saying
The NWS said in its alert: "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors."
It added: "Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible.
"To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
"Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911."
What Happens Next
The extreme heat warnings and heat advisories are set to continue throughout Monday and into Tuesday in the affected regions.
Regular forecast updates and alerts are issued by the NWS on its website.
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