More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (2024)

Saturday, Jul 6, 2024 8:50 AMUpdated Saturday, Jul. 6, 2024 6:31 PM

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (1)

A water-dropping helicopter drops on flames from the advancing Lake Fire in Los Olivos, Calif., Saturday, July 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (2)

A water-dropping helicopter drops on flames from the advancing Lake Fire in Los Olivos, Calif., Saturday, July 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Roughly 130 million people were under threat Saturday and into next week from a long-running heat wave that already has broken records with dangerously high temperatures — and is expected to shatter more from East Coast to West Coast, forecasters said.

Oppressive heat and humidity could team up to spike temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 degrees Celsius) in parts of the Pacific Northwest, the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast, said Jacob Asherman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

In Oregon, records could be broken in cities including Eugene, Portland and Salem, Asherman said. Dozens of other records throughout the U.S. could fall, Asherman added, causing millions to seek relief from the blanket of heat in cooling centers from Bullhead City, Arizona, to Norfolk, Virginia.

The National Weather Service said Saturday it was extending the excessive heat warning for much of the Southwest into Friday.

“A dangerous and historic heatwave is just getting started across the area, with temperatures expected to peak during the Sunday-Wednesday timeframe,” the National Weather Service in Las Vegas said in an updated forecast.

Excessive heat will likely continue through Friday, the service said.

In sweltering Las Vegas, where the temperature hit 100 degrees (37.7 C) by 10:30 a.m., Marko Boscovich said the best way to beat the heat is in a seat at a slot machine with a cold beer inside an air-conditioned casino.

“But you know, after it hits triple digits it’s about all the same to me,” said Boscovich, who was visiting from Sparks, Nevada to see a Dead & Company concert later Saturday night at the Sphere. “Maybe they’ll play one of my favorites — `Cold Rain and Snow.’”

Heat records being shattered across the southwest

By 10:30 a.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service said the temperature already had risen to 100 degrees (36.6 C) in Phoenix, which saw a record high of 118 F (47.7 C) for the date on Friday.

Meteorologists predict temperatures will be near daily records region-wide through most, if not all, of the coming week with lower desert highs reaching 115 to 120 degrees (46.1 to 48.8 C) .

Rare heat advisories had been extended even into the upper elevations, including around Lake Tahoe, with the National Weather Service in Reno warning of “major heat risk impacts, even in the mountains.”

“How hot are we talking? Well, high temperatures across (western Nevada and northeastern California) won't get below 100 degrees (37.8 C) until next weekend,” the service posted online. “And unfortunately, there won't be much relief overnight either."

A new heat record for the day was set on Friday in California's Death Valley -- one of the hottest places on Earth — with the mercury climbing to 127 F (52.8 C). The old mark of 122 F (50 C) was last tied in 2013.

Palm Springs, California, hit 124 degrees (51.1 C) Friday, breaking the city's all-time record high of 123 degrees (50.5 C).

More extreme highs are in the near forecast, including 129 F (53.8 degrees C) for Sunday at Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park, and then around 130 (54.4 C) through Wednesday. The hottest temperature ever officially recorded on Earth was 134 degrees (56.67 C) in Death Valley in July 1913, though some experts dispute that measurement and say the real record was 130 F (54.4 C) recorded there in July 2021.

The worst is yet to come across much of the West and Mid-Atlantic

The worst was yet to come across much of the West, with triple-digit temperatures likely — between 15 and 30 degrees (8 and 16 degrees Celsius) higher than average into next week, the National Weather Service said.

The Eastern U.S. also was bracing for more hot temperatures. Baltimore and others parts of Maryland were under an excessive heat warning, as heat index values could climb to 110 F (43 C), forecasters said.

"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors," said a National Weather Service advisory for the Baltimore area. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.”

Heat-related deaths are starting to mount

In Arizona’s Maricopa County, which encompasses Phoenix, there have been at least 13 confirmed heat-related deaths this year, along with more than 160 other suspected heat deaths are still under investigation, according to the county’s most recent report.

That does not include the death of a 10-year-old boy earlier this week in Phoenix who suffered a “heat-related medical event” while hiking with family at South Mountain Park and Preserve, according to police.

California firefighters battle string of smoky wildfires fanned by low humidity, triple-digit heat

In California, firefighters were dispatching aircraft and helicopters to drop water or retardant on a series of wildfires around the state. In Santa Barbara County, northwest of Los Angeles, the so-called Lake Fire scorched over 19 square miles (49 square kilometers) of grass, brush and timber. Firefighters said the blaze was displaying “extreme fire behavior” and had the “potential for large growth” with high temperatures and low humidity.

Revelers at a music festival cope with the heat with cold water and shade

At the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon, music fans dealt with heat by drinking cold water, seeking refuge in the shade or freshening up under water misters. Organizers of the weekend revelries also advertised free access to air conditioning in a nearby hotel.

Angela Quiroz, 31, kept her scarf and hat wet and applied sunscreen at she protected herself from the heat at the music festival.

“Definitely a difference between the shade and the sun,” Quiroz said Friday. “But when you’re in the sun, it feels like you’re cooking.”

___

Associated Press reporter Julie Walker contributed from New York. Boone reported from Boise, Idaho, and Sonner reported from Reno, Nevada. Associated Press journalists Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee; Jonathan Drew in Raleigh, North Carolina; John Antczak in Los Angeles; Rio Yamat in Las Vegas; Denise Lavoie in Richmond, Virginia; and Ben Finley in Norfolk, Virginia, contributed.

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (3)

Helicopters drop water on flames from the advancing Lake Fire in Los Olivos, Calif., Saturday, July 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (4)

Helicopters drop water on flames from the advancing Lake Fire in Los Olivos, Calif., Saturday, July 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (5)

The gate to Sycamore Valley Ranch, formerly called Neverland Ranch when it was owned by Michael Jackson, stands as the Lake Fire advances in Los Olivos, Calif., Saturday, July 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (6)

The gate to Sycamore Valley Ranch, formerly called Neverland Ranch when it was owned by Michael Jackson, stands as the Lake Fire advances in Los Olivos, Calif., Saturday, July 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (7)

Signs and traffic cones block a road to Sycamore Valley Ranch, formerly called Neverland Ranch when it was owned by Michael Jackson, as firefighters work against the advancing Lake Fire in Los Olivos, Calif., Saturday, July 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (8)

Signs and traffic cones block a road to Sycamore Valley Ranch, formerly called Neverland Ranch when it was owned by Michael Jackson, as firefighters work against the advancing Lake Fire in Los Olivos, Calif., Saturday, July 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (9)

A person cools off during the Waterfront Blues Festival on Friday, July 5, 2024, in Portland, Ore. A slow-moving and potentially record-setting heat wave is spreading across the Western U.S., sending many residents in search of a cool haven from the dangerously high temperatures. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (10)

A person cools off during the Waterfront Blues Festival on Friday, July 5, 2024, in Portland, Ore. A slow-moving and potentially record-setting heat wave is spreading across the Western U.S., sending many residents in search of a cool haven from the dangerously high temperatures. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (11)

People fill up their water bottles while attending the Waterfront Blues Festival on Friday, July 5, 2024, in Portland, Ore. A slow-moving and potentially record-setting heat wave is spreading across the Western U.S., sending many residents in search of a cool haven from the dangerously high temperatures. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (12)

People fill up their water bottles while attending the Waterfront Blues Festival on Friday, July 5, 2024, in Portland, Ore. A slow-moving and potentially record-setting heat wave is spreading across the Western U.S., sending many residents in search of a cool haven from the dangerously high temperatures. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (13)

Wesam Horni, center, sells water on the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol, Friday, July 5, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (14)

Wesam Horni, center, sells water on the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol, Friday, July 5, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (15)

Sherri Thompson, with her chihuahua 14-year-old Kiwahi, arrives at the Cook Plaza cooling center after waiting for the center to open on Friday, July 5, 2024, in Gresham, Ore. Thompson has lived in her car for three years, and can only run its air conditioning for about 20 minutes at a time as it causes the engine to overheat. A heat wave is spreading across Wester U.S., the national Weather Service said, sending many residents in search of a cool haven from the dangerously high temperatures. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (16)

Sherri Thompson, with her chihuahua 14-year-old Kiwahi, arrives at the Cook Plaza cooling center after waiting for the center to open on Friday, July 5, 2024, in Gresham, Ore. Thompson has lived in her car for three years, and can only run its air conditioning for about 20 minutes at a time as it causes the engine to overheat. A heat wave is spreading across Wester U.S., the national Weather Service said, sending many residents in search of a cool haven from the dangerously high temperatures. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (17)

Jordan Savant, second from left, walks with his family carrying umbrellas on the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol, Friday, July 5, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (18)

Jordan Savant, second from left, walks with his family carrying umbrellas on the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol, Friday, July 5, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (19)

Sherri Thompson, with her chihuahua 14-year-old Kiwahi, waits in her vehicle for the Cook Plaza cooling center to open on Friday, July 5, 2024, in Gresham, Ore. Thompson has lived in her car for three years, and can only run its air conditioning for about 20 minutes at a time as it causes the engine to overheat. A heat wave is spreading across Wester U.S., the national Weather Service said, sending many residents in search of a cool haven from the dangerously high temperatures. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (20)

Sherri Thompson, with her chihuahua 14-year-old Kiwahi, waits in her vehicle for the Cook Plaza cooling center to open on Friday, July 5, 2024, in Gresham, Ore. Thompson has lived in her car for three years, and can only run its air conditioning for about 20 minutes at a time as it causes the engine to overheat. A heat wave is spreading across Wester U.S., the national Weather Service said, sending many residents in search of a cool haven from the dangerously high temperatures. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (21)

Doll Crain, with Cultivate Initiatives, marks off places for beds as workers set up the Cook Plaza cooling center on Friday, July 5, 2024, in Gresham, Ore. A heat wave is spreading across Wester U.S., the national Weather Service said, sending many residents in search of a cool haven from the dangerously high temperatures. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (22)

Doll Crain, with Cultivate Initiatives, marks off places for beds as workers set up the Cook Plaza cooling center on Friday, July 5, 2024, in Gresham, Ore. A heat wave is spreading across Wester U.S., the national Weather Service said, sending many residents in search of a cool haven from the dangerously high temperatures. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (23)

Ty Brown, with Cultivate Initiatives, puts ice over bottles of water as workers set up the Cook Plaza cooling center on Friday, July 5, 2024, in Gresham, Ore. A heat wave is spreading across Wester U.S., the national Weather Service said, sending many residents in search of a cool haven from the dangerously high temperatures. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (24)

Ty Brown, with Cultivate Initiatives, puts ice over bottles of water as workers set up the Cook Plaza cooling center on Friday, July 5, 2024, in Gresham, Ore. A heat wave is spreading across Wester U.S., the national Weather Service said, sending many residents in search of a cool haven from the dangerously high temperatures. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. (2024)

FAQs

More records expected to shatter as long-running blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S.? ›

Records expected to shatter as blanket of heat threatens 130 million in U.S. Oppressive heat and humidity could team up to spike temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the Pacific Northwest, the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast.

Is a long running heat wave threatens 130 million people across the US? ›

More than 130 million people in the United States are under threat from a long-running heatwave that has already broken records with dangerously high temperatures, forecasters said, adding that scorching heat will be felt from the East Coast to the West Coast.

Which US state has the highest recorded temperature? ›

The hottest temperature recorded in US history was 134 degrees Fahrenheit in California in 1913.

What is the highest heat recorded in the US? ›

It is no surprise that the hottest temperatures in the U.S. have been recorded in the Desert Southwest. In fact, the highest temperature recorded in California, 134 degrees, is also the current hottest air temperature on record on Earth and was measured in Death Valley, California, on July 10, 1913.

Why is there record breaking heat? ›

In an interview, he said the world's record-breaking temperatures are primarily due to climate change which is being stoked by human activity. "We know that humans are changing the climate. That's no longer an issue for debate. The science is very clear about that," Gleick said.

Did Vegas break the heat record today? ›

With a heatwave persisting across the West, Las Vegas broke its all-time heat record on Sunday at 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the hottest place on Earth ever recorded? ›

Death Valley holds the record for the highest air temperature on the planet: On 10 July 1913, temperatures at the aptly named Furnace Creek area in the California desert reached a blistering 56.7°C (134.1°F).

Which is hotter, Arizona or Texas? ›

Top 10 hottest states

Only Florida, Hawaii and Louisiana have higher average temperatures than Texas in 2024, according to data collected by The Blogler, a blog with tips on travel and international living. Arizona and Arkansas are tied for the ninth-highest average at 61.1 degrees.

Is Texas or Florida hotter? ›

Based on the average daily temperature, its top 10 was (in ascending order): Florida, Hawaii, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.

Which is hotter, Utah or Arizona? ›

Our neighbors in Arizona and Nevada definitely have it worse than we do. However, Utah is no slouch in the triple-digit temperature department, with our hottest day ever set back in 2021 when we hit 117 degrees. For comparison, Arizona's hottest day was 128 degrees, and Nevada's was 125 degrees.

What is the hottest U.S. state? ›

Florida has a humid subtropical climate and is by far the warmest state in the contiguous U.S. based on average annual temperatures.

Does anyone live in Death Valley? ›

Death Valley is home to the Timbisha tribe of Native Americans, formerly known as the Panamint Shoshone, who have inhabited the valley for at least the past millennium.

What is the coldest state? ›

Alaska is the coldest state in the U.S., with an average statewide temperature of 28.4 degrees in 2023. See below for the full list of the 10 coldest states in the U.S.

How many 100 degree days are in Phoenix in 2024? ›

In 2024, Phoenix shattered over a dozen all-time heat records. Here's what they are. Phoenix's heat continues to break records. As of Thursday, the city has endured an 81-day streak of temperatures reaching 100 degrees or higher, surpassing the previous record of 76 days set in August 1993.

What is the hottest year on record? ›

Details. The year 2023 was the warmest year since global records began in 1850 at 1.18°C (2.12°F) above the 20th-century average of 13.9°C (57.0°F). This value is 0.15°C (0.27°F) more than the previous record set in 2016. The 10 warmest years in the 174-year record have all occurred during the last decade (2014–2023).

Which area of the US has the highest heat wave risk? ›

CLIMATEWIRE | The U.S. neighborhood facing the biggest health risks from extreme heat is not in Arizona, Texas or Florida. It's in Idaho. That's the conclusion of the Biden administration, which recently rated 32,000 communities for their heat vulnerability.

What is the excessive heat warning in the US? ›

An excessive heat warning will be issued when the daytime heat index will be 105 or higher during the day and 75 or higher at night for at least a 48 hour period.

What is the heat limit for humans? ›

The human body can't tolerate its temperature reaching 43 degrees C (about 109.4 degrees F). “Anyone who reaches that core temperature — 99.9% would die,” Vanos said. This is the upper limit of survival. Heat often kills in more subtle ways — by worsening pre-existing issues, like cardiovascular or renal disease.

What part of the United States experienced the highest number of days with temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit? ›

Cities with the most 100-degree days annually

No surprise, topping the list with the most 100-degree days on average is Phoenix, Arizona, which averages just over 111 days with 100-degree temperatures every year.

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