Most of the United States and parts
of Canada have been hit by a heat wave over the weekend, meteorologists say.
The extremely hot weather could
affect about 200 million people in major cities like New York, Washington and
Boston in the East Coast, and the Midwest region too.
In some places, temperatures could be
close to or exceed 100F.
According to experts, the more
frequent heat waves in recent years are linked to climate change.
According to new data, the world experienced its hottest June on record this year, with an average temperature worldwide of 61.6F (16.4C).
Earlier this month, Alaska, part of
which lies inside the Arctic Circle, registered record high temperatures.
The heat wave is hitting an area
stretching from the Central Plains of Colorado and Kansas, to the Great Lakes
in the north-east.
Temperatures are also rising in most areas of the East Coast.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio declared “a local emergency due to the
extreme heat” in the city.
In a video posted on Twitter, the mayor said: “This is a heat wave coming up these next days. It’s serious stuff.
“Friday is going to be bad.
Saturday is going to be really, really bad on through Sunday.”
Bill de Blasio urged New Yorkers to take the threat seriously, to stay
hydrated, and to not go out in the hot weather. He added that 500 “cooling
centers” were being opened across New York.
Similar measures were being taken in Detroit and other cities.
In Canada, heat warnings have been issued for parts of the provinces of
Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia. Daytime temperatures in Toronto could feel
like 104F on July 19 and 20, when humidity is factored in. Severe thunderstorms
are also expected.
Canadian meteorologists say that in Montreal the temperature could feel like 113F with humidity over the next two days.
US meteorologists say the heat wave is expected to continue through the
weekend, and some cities may see their highest temperatures in years.
In some cities it might feel as hot as in California’s Death Valley – a desert region known for its extreme heat. But they say a dramatic change is on the way early next week, when it is expected to suddenly cool off.
Human body’s normal core temperature is 37-38C (98.6 –100.4F).
If it heats up to 39-40C (102.2-104F), the brain tells the muscles to slow down and fatigue sets in. At 40-41C (102.2-105.8F) heat exhaustion is likely – and above 41C the body starts to shut down.
Chemical processes start to be affected, the cells inside the body deteriorate and there is a risk of multiple organ failure.
The body cannot even sweat at this point because blood flow to the skin stops, making it feel cold and clammy.
Heatstroke – which can occur at any temperature over 40C – requires professional medical help and if not treated immediately, chances of survival can be slim.
There are a number of things people can do to help themselves. These include:
wearing damp clothes which will help lower the body’s temperature
sticking one’s hands in cold water
placing fans next to windows as this will draw air from outside, which should be cooler
wearing looser clothes
having a lukewarm shower rather than a cold one
fanning the face rather than other parts of the body
Dozens of people across western US have been treated for exhaustion and dehydration, as the region is continuing to bake in a heat wave.
A man in Las Vegas is believed to have died from a heat-related illness.
Air-conditioned “cooling centres” have been set up in California, Nevada and Arizona, as officials warn the heat could be life-threatening.
Temperatures in some areas are expected to be near 130F (54C) – close to the world’s all-time record.
Several parts of California – including the desert town of Palm Springs – saw record highs on Saturday.
There are fears of wildfires, as the heat could last for several days.
More than 34 people were taken to hospital after attending an outdoor concert in Las Vegas, Nevada, officials said.
They also said that an elderly resident was found dead in a house with no air-conditioning. The man suffered medical problems, but his condition is believed to have been aggravated by the heat, according to the Associated Press news agency.
Dozens of people across western US have been treated for exhaustion and dehydration, as the region is continuing to bake in a heat wave
In Los Angeles, California, a number of people were treated for heat stroke and dehydration.
Shelters for homeless in Phoenix, Arizona, added extra beds as temperatures in the city were expected to hit 122F (50C).
The Running with the Devil Marathon in the Mojave Desert outside Las Vegas – which had been scheduled for Saturday – was later cancelled because of extreme heat.
The National Weather Service earlier issued a heat warning for several parts of the region until Monday morning.
Temperatures in Death Valley in the California desert are forecast to reach 130F (54C). The highest-ever temperature on Earth -134F (56.7C) – was recorded there on 10 July 1913.
The heat wave comes after one of the driest winters on record, and there is a fear of wildfires.
Energy suppliers are expected to be pushed to the limit in the next few days.
Weather officials say the extreme weather is caused by a high-pressure system stuck over the area.
The US Border Patrol’s rescue unit has added extra personnel this weekend as the threat of exhaustion and dehydration rises for those attempting to cross the US-Mexico border illegally on foot.
At least seven migrants were found dead in Arizona’s desert last week in lower temperatures. Border officials in Tucson, Arizona, rescued more than 170 people suffering from the heat during a thirty-day period in May and June.
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