Officials are warning about an extreme, long-lasting heat wave, posing serious health and wildfire risks. Already, several new wildfires in California have forced people to evacuate.
the basics
- The heat wave will continue until at least Tuesday next week, and temperatures are expected to remain in the triple digits across much of northern and central California. Some areas of the Central Valley are expected to experience extreme heat until July 11, according to the National Weather Service.
- There could be an attack in the valley of death 129 degrees on SundayWhich is expected to be the hottest day in the national park.
- Temperatures are forecast to remain above 100 degrees through Tuesday across much of the interior of Northern California.
- Southern California is also expected to experience extreme heat, as excessive heat warnings have been issued for inland valleys, deserts and mountains through Monday. Inland coastal areas away from the coast won’t get quite as hot, but heat warnings will still be issued, with highs ranging from 85 to 95 degrees.
- of Southern California Extreme Temperatures Temperatures are expected to rise Thursday through Saturday, when deserts could top 110 degrees; mountains could reach 100 to 112 degrees; valleys could reach 98 to 108 degrees and coastal plains could reach 80 to 94 degrees.
Many parts of the Central Valley are forecast to see five to seven days or more of high temperatures above 110 degrees and nighttime lows in the 70s or 80s, conditions under which the human body has virtually no chance to recover.
heat warning
The National Weather Service has warned of serious health hazards from the heat wave.
“An exceptionally dangerous situation is expected to arise next week as we enter a potentially historic and deadly heat event,” the National Weather Service’s Bay Area office wrote in its bulletin. Excessive heat warning. “Sustained periods of much higher-than-normal temperatures would have adverse effects on people and infrastructure, with many heat-related deaths likely. … An event of this scale, magnitude, and longevity would likely exceed anything we have seen in the last 18 years.”
In the Central Valley, the weather service warned that “without overnight relief, this level of rare, prolonged extreme heat affects everyone, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.”
Record-breaking and dangerous heat is not only affecting California and Western areas this July 4 week, but also scorching the southern Plains and Mid-Atlantic, where 110 million people in 21 states are under heat warnings or watches, the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center said in a report. wednesday morning forecast,
“Dozens of record highs are possible, highlighting the rarity of this heat wave for an early July season,” the forecast says. “The duration of this heat is also worrisome as above-average temperatures are forecast to persist well into next week.”
Analysis
UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain called it “virtually inevitable” that wildfires will continue to occur and grow during the heat wave — which play started on tuesday As temperatures rise, heat, low humidity, dry vegetation and winds lashed parts of Northern California on Tuesday and Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for much of the region, a warning for extreme fire weather. Swain also noted that an expected increase in fireworks and firecrackers during the holiday weekend would only exacerbate the situation.
“Frankly, it’s a very bad combination that a potentially record-breaking heat wave starts with dry northerly winds,” Swain said. A Brief Description on Monday. “Get prepared: I think California’s fire season is likely to increase significantly over the next five to seven days.”
Fires have already broken out in several locations, including one in Oroville on Tuesday that destroyed several buildings.
It has become extremely hot Deadliest Meteorological Event in California Heat waves have become more intense, longer and more frequent due to climate change, leading to heat waves across the country. Weather officials are urging people to take this week’s conditions seriously.
“This is going to be a prolonged heat event that will certainly be a serious concern for heat-related illnesses if people don’t take the proper precautions,” said Kate Forrest, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento.
“Essentially the human imprint can be seen in all the heat waves at the moment,” Swain said. warming of the climate“Heat waves have become more frequent and more intense almost everywhere on Earth, so extreme heat events – like the one in California – have become worse and more likely due to climate change.”
Tips
Stay indoors, use AC and wear light clothing
- Officials with the National Weather Service and public health offices are advising people to stay indoors as much as possible. in particular 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. are when the sun is strongest. If you exercise outside, it is recommended to exercise early in the morning or late in the evening.
- If you don’t have air conditioning, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Going to the mall or public library. You can also find information by visiting your county’s website or calling the local health department. Cooling centers in your areaOther options include taking cold showers twice a day or finding a comfortable place. Shady yard or park. (UCLA health officials) electric fans say When temperatures reach 90 degrees or higher, it will not prevent heat-related illnesses.)
- What you wear matters, too. Officials recommend wearing light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing when you’re outside, as well as a wide-brimmed hat. Be sure to use sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15, and apply it about 30 minutes before going outside.
Beware of heat-related illnesses
- According to the CDCHeat-related illnesses can range from heat rash and sunburn to more serious conditions such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which result from an inability to cool the body by sweating. Symptoms of heatstroke, which is the most serious of the heat-related illnesses, include a temperature of 103 degrees or higher; hot, red, dry or moist skin; rapid, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion and losing consciousness. If you are experiencing these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
- If this point is reached, the C.D.C. It is advised against Avoid drinking anything and if possible move to a cool place and take a bath with cold water.
stay hydrated
- drinking plenty of fluids, Especially before going outThis is very important in preventing heat-related illnesses. UCLA officials warn against Waiting until you feel thirsty to drink.
- In times of extreme heat, It is best to drink it At least two to four cups of water per hour. (For those working outside, The C.D.C. recommends a cup of water, or 8 ounces, every 15–20 minutes.) Health officials also Refuse to drink alcohol During times of extreme heat, as it causes dehydration and increases the risk of heat-related illnesses. It is also important Drink low-sugar fruit juices or sports drinks to replace the salt and minerals lost from the body during sweating. Dieticians also recommend recommend Eat foods with a high water content — think watermelon, celery and cucumbers.
Check on the most vulnerable people
- In addition to keeping yourself safe and healthy, regularly visit people who are at higher risk, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, homeless people, people who work outdoors, and those without air conditioning. Affects your pets tooSo keep them indoors or if they will be outside, make sure they have plenty of water and a shady spot so they can stay cool.
- Never leave a child or pet in the back seat of a car, as the temperature inside a vehicle can rise very quickly, even if the windows are open.
