Millions of Americans Urged to Avoid the Sun in 16 States

Newsweek

8 hours ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued heat-related alerts for at least 16 states as of Wednesday morning, with the agency cautioning residents in many affected areas to keep out of the sun and forecasting "dangerously hot conditions" in parts of the United States.
Why It Matters
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), extreme heat can trigger heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations such as older adults, young children, and those with certain medical conditions.
The agency notes that extreme heat contributes to more than 700 deaths annually across the U.S.
Rising temperatures can also worsen ground-level ozone pollution, potentially compounding existing health risks.
What To Know
Extreme heat warnings, which the NWS issues when "extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring," were in place for southern Nevada, southeast California, parts of Arizona, including Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, and a portion of southern Utah.
In Death Valley, often dubbed the hottest place on Earth, the NWS said that temperatures between 118 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit would be possible, while Lake Havasu City in Arizona could see temperatures between 112 and 116.
"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors," many of the alerts advised.
Less severe heat advisories had also been issued for several states, including:
Oregon
Texas
Louisiana
Arkansas
Mississippi
Florida
Georgia
South Carolina
New York
Vermont
New Hampshire
Maine
Heat index values, which reflect how hot it feels when humidity and temperature are considered, were expected to reach the 90s and 100s across many of these areas, the NWS said.
What People Are Saying
AccuWeather meteorologist Chad Merrill told Newsweek that the heat across the U.S. this week would be on the move "thanks to an active jet stream pattern."
"For Friday and especially Saturday, much hotter weather will move into the Midwest. Heat advisories could be posted for places like Des Moines, Iowa, Saint Louis and perhaps Chicago."
"While the heat moves east across the country through the late week, temperatures will drop to near to five degrees below average for much of the West."
The NWS office in Phoenix said Tuesday on X: "Afternoon temperatures climbed upwards of 5-7 degrees above normal today as highs topped out around 112-114° for Phoenix, Yuma, and El Centro. Extreme Heat Warnings remain in effect through Wednesday evening."
What Happens Next
The latest extreme heat warning—for the lower elevations of the Grand Canyon—was in force until 8 p.m. MST Thursday at the time of writing.
The NWS issues regular forecast updates on its website.