Southwest US faces an escalating extreme heat wave
A Massive heat dome spanning the US Southwest has resulted in extreme heat warnings nationwide, impacting over 110 million people. With as many as 38 cities at risk, temperature records are likely to be broken. Las Vegas, for instance, faced the threat of surpassing its highest recorded temperature of 117 °F (47.2 °C). Simultaneously, southern Europe is grappling with scorching temperatures, while Canada is battling an unprecedented wildfire season.
Scientists have consistently warned about the link between climate change caused by human activities and the escalation of severe and frequent extreme weather events. In the US Southwest, hundreds of firefighters are combating brush fires in sweltering heat and low humidity on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Death Valley in California experienced temperatures of 128 F (53.9 C), nearing the site’s record for the hottest reliably recorded temperature on Earth at 134 F (56.7 C).
The typically bustling streets of Las Vegas were noticeably quieter, with security guards stationed near the fountains of upscale casinos and hotels to prevent people from seeking relief in them. The famous strip was subdued, and those venturing outside were mostly intoxicated individuals or simply crossing to the next casino.
A heat dome forms when high-pressure systems push air towards the ground, compressing and heating it. The warm air then rises, creating a cycle where air sinks in the centre of the dome and rises along its sides. This pressure inhibits the formation of cooling weather systems like rain clouds. The “National Weather Service (NWS)” describes the current heat dome over the southwestern US as one of the strongest to impact the region.
The Weather Channel predicts that the dome will expand across the southern parts of the nation by the middle of the following week, leading to increased temperatures in other southern states. Meanwhile, other regions in the US are preparing for severe thunderstorms and flash floods. Northeastern states may also experience poor air quality due to ongoing wildfires in Canada.
Global temperatures have already risen by approximately 1.1 C since the beginning of the industrial era, and further increases are anticipated unless governments worldwide take significant steps to reduce emissions.
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