WASHINGTON: According to weather forecasts, millions of people on the West Coast will be affected by a prolonged heat wave during the first few days of the season. Washington state has already hit record temperatures early in the weekend, with Seattle likely to hit 90 degrees Celsius and surpass the year’s high of 88 degrees Celsius. Potential record-breaking temperatures are also expected in Portland and Medford, Oregon.
These abnormally high temperatures occurred more than a month earlier than normal and are a departure from the region’s normally cool, wet climate. In recent years, the West Coast has experienced frequent heat waves and wildfires that deviate from traditional weather patterns. Rising temperatures pose a significant risk of heat stroke, especially since most homes in this region do not have central air conditioning. Temperatures are expected to approach 100 degrees Celsius on Sunday in Fresno, Calif., and highs are expected to stay around 95 to 100 degrees Celsius for the next five days.
About 12 million people on the West Coast are on heat alerts, showing how serious the situation is. Scientists see increasing extreme heat as evidence of man-made climate change. In the United States, extreme heat is recognized as the deadliest natural disaster. Since 1970, more than 230 locations across the country have seen an average of 21 more days per year of temperatures above the minimum lethal heat threshold, according to Climate Central analysis. This increase has been observed in all regions and is not limited to the hottest regions of the south and southeast.
The ongoing West Coast heatwave is a reminder of the ongoing climate crisis and its impact on the environment and human well-being. This highlights the need for aggressive action to mitigate climate change and protect vulnerable communities from the increased risks associated with extreme heat.
Source: google news