Extreme heat conditions in the southwestern US

Firefighters are on standby to dip heat-stroke victims in ice, and a few famous hiking trails have shut in Arizona as tens of millions of people across the southwestern US experience record-breaking, triple-digit temperatures.

Current Situation

• Record Temperatures: The southwestern US is experiencing record-breaking triple-digit temperatures, affecting millions across California, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas.
• Forecast:
  • Phoenix: 109°F (42.7°C)
  • Las Vegas: 107°F
  • Palm Springs: 110°F
  • Death Valley: 119°F
• Duration: The excessive heat is expected to persist for several more days, with no immediate relief in sight.

Heat Dome Effect

• Explanation: A heat dome, an area of high pressure that traps hot air, is causing the temperatures to soar 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit above average for this time of year.

Impact on Health and Safety

• Heat-Related Incidents:

• Phoenix: Firefighters are using human-sized immersion bags filled with ice to treat heat-stroke victims.
• Last year, Maricopa County reported 645 heat-related deaths.

Specific Actions Taken

• Trail Closures: Popular hiking trails at Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak in Arizona are closed.
• Warnings for Hikers: The National Weather Service advises caution for those at the Grand Canyon, predicting temperatures could reach 111°F.

Impact on Vulnerable Populations

• Unhoused Individuals:

• Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is seeing increased demand for temperature-controlled shelters.
• CASS provides shelter, water, and food for up to 600 people experiencing homelessness in Phoenix.
• Unhoused and low-income residents are the most affected by heat-related deaths in Maricopa County.

Broader Impact

• Temperature Records:
  • San Angelo, Texas, tied its fifth hottest temperature ever recorded at 111°F.
• Heat Warnings Duration: Expected to last until the end of Friday.
• Spread of Heat: The extreme temperatures are forecasted to move northward, reaching the Pacific Northwest by the weekend.

Conclusion

The extreme heat conditions across the southwestern US are causing significant health and safety concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the unhoused.

Emergency measures, including cooling stations and the use of ice immersion for heat-stroke victims, are in place to mitigate the impact.

The situation is expected to persist and spread north, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and support for those affected.