Record Heatwave Hits US West from Phoenix to Seattle

An intense heatwave has swept across the western United States, resulting in record-breaking temperatures and heat alerts for millions from Phoenix to Seattle. This extreme weather event began on Wednesday and is expected to persist through the weekend, coinciding with what is already the hottest summer on record in 2024. In California, the city of Indio recorded a staggering 121°F, surpassing its previous record, while Palm Springs matched this temperature. The Los Angeles area is bracing for a series of triple-digit days, with temperatures reaching 102°F on Thursday. The Pacific Northwest has also been affected, with schools in Portland closing early due to the heat and Seattle breaking its daily temperature record at 89°F. The unusually high temperatures have led to poor air quality, prompting officials to advise vulnerable populations to limit outdoor activities. California's central coast has also seen temperatures exceed 100°F, contributing to the overall heat crisis. Globally, this summer has been marked as the hottest on record, with the Earth experiencing its highest recorded temperature on July 22. Death Valley, known for its extreme heat, reported an average temperature of 104.5°F from June to August, breaking previous records. The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves are attributed to the ongoing climate crisis, which is exacerbating weather extremes. The rise in temperatures poses significant risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the unhoused, children, and the elderly. Additionally, the hot and dry conditions elevate the risk of wildfires, as evidenced by a growing wildfire in San Bernardino County, which has prompted evacuation warnings in nearby areas.