Wet hot American summer? It's about to get gross for tens of millions of Americans across the US
Tens of millions of Americans making vacation plans should prepare for a wet and hot start to the summer over the coming weeks.
Just days before the season officially starts, forecasters warned that more thunderstorms were expected across the central Plains and central Appalachians, as majorly high temperatures were anticipated in the Southwest.
'This morning, at Phoenix Sky Harbor, the low temperature was 86 degrees, 7 degrees above the normal for the day. Today will be another hot one with high temperatures expected to be near the 110's again across the region,' the National Weather Service in Arizona's capital warned on social media. Temperatures around Phoenix were expected to run between five and 10 degrees above normal through Friday. The monsoon season just started there on Sunday.
In Las Vegas, an extreme heat warning was also in effect on Wednesday and Thursday. The high temperature in nearby Death Valley was 121 degrees on Monday. National Park Service officials had asked visitors to avoid traveling by motorcycle.
The risk of heat-related impacts is projected to shift into the Plains states through the weekend, according to The Washington Post's meteorologist Ben Noll.
But, heat isn't all people have to worry about in the coming weeks. Noll noted that humid conditions that contributed to deadly flash flooding in West Virginia last weekend will provide fuel for storms in the Plains and Midwest by mid-week before reaching the East Coast.
' Warm and humid conditions will lead to the development of scattered storms this afternoon and evening,' the National Weather Service's Quad Cities office in Iowa and Illinois said.
The humidity is tied to high ocean temperatures, and higher-than-average humidity is forecast to plague the eastern U.S. in the coming months. During the next two weeks, extreme levels of humidity are coming for residents in 40 states, Noll explained.
In New York City, residents might be happy to know that warmer and drier weather is on the way -- although temperatures have already breached the 90s. But, forecasters there warned that hot and humid weather would start on Sunday and last through 'at least the middle of next week.'
In Maine, the hottest days are slated for next Monday and Tuesday. Down the coastline, the Climate Prediction Center said the strongest heat wave of the season thus far is likely for much of the Mid-Atlantic during the first week of summer.
The combination of high humidity and temperatures can feel incredibly oppressive, resulting in a faster heartbeat and other negative health effects.
Human-caused climate change is making all of these concerns more frequent and severe. New research released on Monday says it has tripled the frequency of atmospheric wave events linked to extreme summer weather. Heat waves, in particular, are moving slower and staying longer, a study published last year found.
'This really has strong impacts on public health,' Wei Zhang, a climate scientist at Utah State University and one of the authors of the study, told The New York Times then.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Extreme heat is starting to change the way we holiday
It was the summer of 2023, and Katie Piercefield-Holmes from Suffolk travelled to the Greek island of Rhodes with her husband and two children for a 10-day booked a room with air conditioning at a resort, intending to spend the time relaxing in the swimming pool and sightseeing – but this wasn't possible because of the searing heat. "Even after breakfast, a five-minute walk would be unbearable," she came the wildfires, which swept across the island. "With the heat from the wildfires, it felt over 40C," she all, some 19,000 people were evacuated from their homes or holiday accommodation in Rhodes that July. Pictures of tourists fleeing the island were splashed across newspaper front pages and one newlywed couple from Glasgow described it as like "being thrown into a disaster film". Katie's family was advised to evacuate their villa, but chose to stay, believing it would be experience has, she says, changed the way she and her family have holidayed for good. The summer heatwave of 2023 gripped much of Europe, particularly countries around the Mediterranean including Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Cyprus. Temperatures reached 40-45C by day in some regions. In all, there were more than 47,000 heat-related deaths throughout Europe in 2023, according to the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) – most were in southern previous year had also seen multiple heatwaves across Europe, including the first recording of 40C in the UK. More than 68,000 people died on the continent, according to the 2024 season in Europe wasn't as extreme, scientists are clear that human-induced climate change is leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves around the along with this change in summer weather comes other changes too. In all, 81% of Europeans say they have tweaked their holiday plans because of factors related to climate change, according to a report published in April by the European Travel Commission (ETC).Almost a third are choosing destinations where the weather is Piercefield-Holmes is among them. She has returned to Greece with her family since 2023, but only during the cooler months of October and May - during the summer, the family still travel but take a different approach. "We go [somewhere] where it isn't as hot and can plan different activities like hiking and sightseeing," she family are not along. Simon Calder, a journalist and broadcaster on BBC's The Travel Show, says that a number of travel agents have observed some families choosing to take their main holiday over Easter, rather than during the summer. And this could well be a growing trend: Bas Amelung, a professor in environmental systems analysis at Wageningen University, says that certain parts of Europe might become too hot for many in the future. "Countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey that currently attract the traditional 'sun and sand' summer tourists are likely to become too hot for comfort in the summer," he he also believes that even if temperatures don't go up much in the short term, the perception may still stick."People take decisions based on their perceptions," he explains. "So if a large majority of holidaymakers thinks some European destinations will soon be 'too hot', they may well start adapting, either by going somewhere else in summer or by going to the same place in another season."Which all begs the question, what does that mean for holiday resorts across the Mediterranean, in particular those that have come to rely on summer tourism trade? And if the idea of "high season" changes, what does that mean for the tradition of a seaside summer holiday? Extreme weather in the Med It's not just heatwaves - climate change is affecting tourism in other ways level rises are projected to increase by around 0.8-0.9m by 2100. This could lead to a long-term threat to some beachside resorts, including a number in the Caribbean, which are typically less than 1m above current sea islands, meanwhile, are vulnerable to storm surges – these could also be threatened by rising sea levels, as well as changing weather patterns. Cyclones in the region could become more intense too, according to Australia's Bureau of is Europe, though, that will most affect British holidaymakers. Currently it is their top destination - and according to the World Meteorological Organisation, Europe is also the fastest-warming continent on Earth. Beaches, in particular, could be at risk. One study suggests that a fifth of the sandy coastline of the Mediterranean could face severe loss by 2050, under the middle of the IPCC's five climate projections Italy and the Iberian peninsula are also identified as being at high risk due to climate Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told a cabinet meeting in 2023: "We are already experiencing the effects of the climate crisis, and we know that things will probably get worse, not better, with higher temperatures, more drought and strong winds." The resorts that are adapting Already, there are some small signs that indicate more people are holidaying outside the traditional peak season. In all, 8% fewer people plan to travel to the Mediterranean this summer compared to last year, according to Teodora Marinska, chief operating officer of the more people appear to be travelling to the region outside the traditional months: Greece saw a 20% increase in spring tourism in 2024 compared with the same period in 2023, according to analysts from the National Bank of foreign arrivals to Spain exceeded 10 million in January and February of 2025 – almost a 20% increase versus 2019 levels."These are increases on small numbers, because these nations are usually quite empty in the winter, but we can already see that the growth is concentrated there," explains Ms has been welcomed by authorities in some places. "We've seen destinations increasing investment in connectivity in the winter months – for instance, adding flights to the winter schedule."Rather than destinations emptying out in the summer months, Ms Marinska sees it as more a levelling of the peak to a gentle curve – which could boost economies of tourist hotspots, instead of damaging them."Tourist boards have been investing heavily in fighting the seasonality trend, not only because of overtourism, but because it's much more sustainable for a hotel to stay open all year round [and] jobs are more stable," she example the German highland region of Spessart, in Bavaria and Hesse, is shifting its focus to year-round tourism by developing new trails and promoting activities such as hiking, biking and wellness. Certain places on the Med popular with tourists are also starting to adapt what they offer."Countries, such as Spain, are starting to wake up to the consequences of climate change and the reality of the need to adapt," says Prof Amelung. "Things are starting to change slowly, but surely."A number of towns are, for example, offer evening markets and indoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. Mr Calder recalls going on a walking tour of the Italian Adriatic city of Grado that began at in some areas there are cost implications. In 2024, Greece replaced its accommodation tax with a new "climate crisis resilience tax" that aims to support rebuilding efforts after climate related disasters. It means that for a week's holiday in Greece between April and October, travellers could be charged up to £88 extra per room. From staycations to summers in Scandinavia All of this could lead to some new patterns in the way people spend their vacations - and where they go. Staycations, for example, could become even more popular. More than half of UK holidaymakers say they are likely to choose to holiday at home rather than abroad for climate-related reasons, according to 2024 research by Mintel. Some 28% say warmer UK temperatures are encouraging them to take domestic remains to be seen is how this could affect the price tag. "A significant shift in holiday habits could push up the cost of a domestic holiday," says Mr Calder. "If more people decide to stay in the UK, and others come to Britain because it is more climatically appealing, the rise in demand would trigger price increases. But there are always locations where you can get reasonable deals." Industry experts have also noticed a growing trend of holidaymakers choosing different, less traditional destinations in Europe too for their summer breaks."There is an increased emphasis on travel to northern destinations, with more routes to Iceland, Norway and Finland than ever… spreading tourism more evenly," according to Mr Calder."Destinations such as Scandinavia that weren't hugely popular in the past are also becoming a bit more fashionable due to Instagram trends," agrees Sean Tipton of the Association of British Travel Agents.A number of alternative European beach destinations are becoming more popular: places like Albania, Montenegro or Bulgaria are growing at a much faster pace than traditional destinations, observes Ms Marinska."The beach holiday is still by far the more popular type," she stresses. "But there's a shift in behaviour, and people are choosing different destinations for their beach holidays." The school holidays factor Although many experts are predicting that holiday patterns will shift, it doesn't appear to be happening on a large scale. And, there are limits to these shifts. While certain groups can be more flexible about when they holiday, such as retirees or those without young children, this may not be possible for those with children of school age who want to break up the long summer period, points out Prof some people I spoke to who have been caught up in extreme situations on holiday aren't deterred from seeking out sunnier climes during the summer. Daniel Rolfe, who was on honeymoon in Rhodes during the 2023 wildfires, is one of them. "We wouldn't necessarily change holiday plans or habits because of climate change and hot weather [but] we'd look at how likely wildfires might be before going anywhere".But, warns Prof Amelung, if there are many more very hot summers, holiday patterns may yet change."If we have major heatwaves and wildfires all across the Med in three or four out of the next five summers, this may well be a tipping point in public perception, going from 'the Mediterranean climate is ideal for summer holidays' to 'the Mediterranean is just unbearably hot in summer; let's go somewhere else'." Top picture credit: Mizina/ Getty Images BBC InDepth is the home on the website and app for the best analysis, with fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions and deep reporting on the biggest issues of the day. And we showcase thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. You can send us your feedback on the InDepth section by clicking on the button below.
The Independent
5 hours ago
- The Independent
Wet hot American summer? It's about to get gross for tens of millions of Americans across the US
Tens of millions of Americans making vacation plans should prepare for a wet and hot start to the summer over the coming weeks. Just days before the season officially starts, forecasters warned that more thunderstorms were expected across the central Plains and central Appalachians, as majorly high temperatures were anticipated in the Southwest. 'This morning, at Phoenix Sky Harbor, the low temperature was 86 degrees, 7 degrees above the normal for the day. Today will be another hot one with high temperatures expected to be near the 110's again across the region,' the National Weather Service in Arizona's capital warned on social media. Temperatures around Phoenix were expected to run between five and 10 degrees above normal through Friday. The monsoon season just started there on Sunday. In Las Vegas, an extreme heat warning was also in effect on Wednesday and Thursday. The high temperature in nearby Death Valley was 121 degrees on Monday. National Park Service officials had asked visitors to avoid traveling by motorcycle. The risk of heat-related impacts is projected to shift into the Plains states through the weekend, according to The Washington Post's meteorologist Ben Noll. But, heat isn't all people have to worry about in the coming weeks. Noll noted that humid conditions that contributed to deadly flash flooding in West Virginia last weekend will provide fuel for storms in the Plains and Midwest by mid-week before reaching the East Coast. ' Warm and humid conditions will lead to the development of scattered storms this afternoon and evening,' the National Weather Service's Quad Cities office in Iowa and Illinois said. The humidity is tied to high ocean temperatures, and higher-than-average humidity is forecast to plague the eastern U.S. in the coming months. During the next two weeks, extreme levels of humidity are coming for residents in 40 states, Noll explained. In New York City, residents might be happy to know that warmer and drier weather is on the way -- although temperatures have already breached the 90s. But, forecasters there warned that hot and humid weather would start on Sunday and last through 'at least the middle of next week.' In Maine, the hottest days are slated for next Monday and Tuesday. Down the coastline, the Climate Prediction Center said the strongest heat wave of the season thus far is likely for much of the Mid-Atlantic during the first week of summer. The combination of high humidity and temperatures can feel incredibly oppressive, resulting in a faster heartbeat and other negative health effects. Human-caused climate change is making all of these concerns more frequent and severe. New research released on Monday says it has tripled the frequency of atmospheric wave events linked to extreme summer weather. Heat waves, in particular, are moving slower and staying longer, a study published last year found. 'This really has strong impacts on public health,' Wei Zhang, a climate scientist at Utah State University and one of the authors of the study, told The New York Times then.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Dog owners urged to avoid ‘hidden danger' this week as vet reveals breeds most at risk
DOG owners are being warned not to take their pets out for walks during key times this week as the UK braces for a summer heatwave. Vets say that while many owners believe a stroll in the fresh air is a good idea, the risks to dogs are much greater than just leaving them in a hot car. 2 Across the UK, with temperatures set to exceed 25°C and possibly reach 30°C in some regions, veterinary experts are urging owners to rethink their walking routines. According to Pet Health Club, which represents over 800 vet practices, the danger isn't just the sun — it's the ground beneath your dog's feet. In places like London, Manchester, Birmingham and parts of the South East, surfaces such as pavements and artificial grass can retain extreme heat long after the sun has started to dip. These hot surfaces can soar to more than 50°C — easily enough to burn sensitive paw pads and trigger overheating in just minutes. Holly McKinley, senior vet at Pet Health Club, explained: 'Many owners assume it's safe to walk their dogs once the sun dips, but pavements often stay dangerously hot well past 5pm, and on some days, the air does too. "That's why we're calling it the hidden 'danger hour'.' While heatstroke in dogs is a well-known risk in parked cars, the latest research suggests that walks during hot spells are an even bigger danger. A staggering 74 per cent of heatstroke cases in dogs are caused by exercise, compared to just 5 per cent from being left in vehicles. 'Dogs don't sweat like we do, and their ability to cool down is limited. So even when it feels bearable to us, it can still be risky for them,' said Holly. How to keep pets safe during a heatwave 'Walking your dog in 25-degree heat is like running a marathon in a fur coat. "It might not seem extreme to humans, but for dogs, especially those with thick coats or flat faces, it can be life-threatening.' She added that breeds with short snouts — known as Brachycephalic breeds, including pugs, bulldogs and boxers — are particularly at risk. Their compromised airways mean they struggle more to breathe and regulate their body temperature during even mild exertion. Dog owners are urged to check pavements before heading out by using the back-of-the-hand test. 'If you can't comfortably hold it there for seven seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws,' Holly said. 'If in doubt, skip the walk and focus on indoor play or enrichment instead.' Symptoms of heatstroke can come on quickly and include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, confusion, vomiting and even seizures. If untreated, it can result in collapse or death in a matter of minutes. Dog breeds most susceptible to overheating In general, there are six groups of dogs who struggle most in hot weather... Firstly, those with underlying health problems. Dogs can't sweat like we can, so rely largely on panting to cool down. However, if they have airway or lung impairments, or suffer from fluid balance or hydration issues, then this is more difficult, and their ability to lose heat is reduced, meaning they are at a higher risk of heat-stroke. Overweight animals find it harder to ventilate, and their core temperature rises faster than you'd expect for a lean dog. Very young dogs or very old dogs are also at increased risk of heatstroke, and these owners should be even more cautious in hot weather. Dogs with very thick coats, who are adapted to a colder climate. Dogs such as the Husky or Malamute - and even the Chow Chow - have been bred to keep heat in. However, this comes at the price of being less well able to cope in hot weather. Their thick double coats effectively trap heat, making it the equivalent of us going out in the July heat wearing a fur coat and thermal underwear: they get very hot, very quickly. This problem can be alleviated by clipping (NOT shaving), however, the coat can take a long time to grow back. In a heatwave, though, if you're struggling to keep your dog cool, I'd personally rather have a dog with a thinner coat who's alive than a luxuriously coated dog in the morgue. Short-nosed, or brachycephalic, breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs. These dogs have been bred to look "cute", with big eyes and flat faces. Unfortunately, the result of this has been a narrowing of the airways and a profusion of soft tissue in the nasal chambers and pharynx - we call this Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, and it profoundly affects their ability to pant and lose heat. Like a dog with any other respiratory disease, most members of these breeds are highly prone to heatstroke, and as they are often overweight as well, are at very high risk in hot weather Sean McCormack, head vet at said: 'A dog's ability to regulate heat is very different from ours. This makes it essential for pet owners, particularly those new to dog care, to take proactive steps to keep their pets cool, safe, and comfortable.' Even short walks in the midday sun can be dangerous. Vets recommend walking early in the morning — ideally before 8am — or late in the evening, well after sunset, when both the air and surfaces have had time to cool down properly. Eve, a veterinary nurse from the UK, echoed the warning on social media. She said: 'The temperatures are rising and taking your dog on a walk is not worth risking their life. "Do it responsibly – 6am in the morning, 8pm at night when it's nice and cool.' She added: 'This applies to every single dog breed, but especially Brachycephalic breeds. If you can hear your dog breathing heavily on a normal day, that's a sign they're already under respiratory stress. "Add heat to that, and it can become dangerous very quickly.' Eve also warned of symptoms like vomiting and regurgitation, particularly in flat-faced breeds, which can lead to aspiration — where fluid enters the lungs and causes serious complications. During heatwaves, the safest place for your pet is indoors in a cool, shaded area with good airflow. Owners are advised to provide plenty of fresh water, use fans or cooling mats, and avoid overexcitement or vigorous play. 2
