The National Weather Service (NWS) in the United States issued a warning on Monday for an "extremely dangerous" heatwave.
The atmospheric phenomenon, which marks the beginning of the summer season, will bring record-breaking temperatures to large regions of the country, from the Midwest to the East Coast.
In an official bulletin, the NWS warned that this climatic episode represents an unusual level of risk due to its intensity and duration, and could be particularly harmful because of the lack of thermal relief during the nights.
"This level of heat risk is known to be rare and/or prolonged, with little to no relief during the night, and affects anyone without effective cooling and/or proper hydration," emphasized the statement.
According to the weather forecasts, maximum temperatures over the next few days will exceed 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (equivalent to between 32 and 37 degrees Celsius), with the possibility of breaking multiple historical records in various regions of the country.
Cities with high population density like Columbus (Ohio), Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), and Washington D.C. will be among the most affected.
The NWS warned that these urban areas "will experience especially significant heat impacts," raising concerns about potential effects on public health and emergency services.
The authorities have begun to respond to the threat.
The state of New York, along with the cities of Boston and Philadelphia, declared states of emergency due to extreme heat.
In particular, the NWS office in Albany, the capital of New York State, reiterated the seriousness of the situation: "Extreme heat alerts and heat precautions remain in effect. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in most years."
The impact of extreme heat has intensified in recent years.
According to a study published in August 2023 by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), there were 2,325 heat-related deaths recorded in the United States that year, marking the fourth consecutive annual record in this category.
In this context, authorities urge the population to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, and seek refuge in cool places.
Special attention is requested for children, the elderly, homeless individuals, and those with chronic illnesses, as they are particularly vulnerable to prolonged heat waves.
The alert remains in effect as multiple consecutive days of extreme temperatures are anticipated, with the potential to significantly impact the health, infrastructure, and daily activities of millions of people in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Heat Wave in the United States
Which areas of the United States are most affected by the heat wave?
The heatwave is affecting areas from the Midwest to the East Coast of the United States. Cities such as Columbus, Philadelphia, and Washington are expected to experience particularly significant heat impacts. Extreme heat is also forecasted to break records in several states, affecting densely populated urban areas.
What are the expected temperatures during this heatwave?
The National Meteorological Service has forecasted maximum temperatures exceeding 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (32 and 37 degrees Celsius) for several consecutive days, which will break numerous records in the affected areas.
What precautionary measures are being taken in response to the heatwave?
Regions like New York State, Boston, and Philadelphia have declared states of emergency due to the heat. Extreme heat alerts and heat precautions remain in effect, and the public is advised to stay hydrated and seek appropriate cooling to avoid health issues.
Why is heat particularly dangerous in densely populated urban areas?
Dense urban areas tend to retain more heat due to the concentration of buildings and pavement, which raises the ambient temperature. Additionally, the lack of vegetation and green spaces decreases the natural cooling capacity, exacerbating the effects of extreme heat and increasing health risks for residents.
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