Heat wave sticking around here and everywhere

Deadly heat wave scorches central and eastern U.S.

By Azadeh Ansari

CNN

Dangerously high temperatures will keep scorching the Northeast in the wake of a deadly wave of heat and humidity that has plagued the Midwest.

Heat indexes well over 100 degrees are expected across dozens of states in the nation’s central and eastern portions, the National Weather Service forecasts. A heat index combines the effects of temperature and humidity on the human body.

Temperatures also could reach the century mark Monday afternoon in New York, Philadelphia and Washington.

Nearly 114 million people are under excessive heat watches, warnings and advisories in effect across 27 states on Sunday, CNN meteorologist Sean Morris said.

The sweltering Midwest weather claimed the lives of a handful of people in the Detroit area over the course of three days, Roseville Police Chief James Berlin told CNN.

Five elderly residents who had underlying health issues died as a result of the soaring temperatures, Berlin said. Residents were encouraged to stay hydrated and find an air-conditioned place to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Police and firefighters in the Detroit suburb of Roseville are doing their part to help residents beat the summer heat. They are offering rides to cooling centers set up at the city’s recreation center and public library and distributing water to residents.

Heat is one of the country’s leading weather-related killers, and each year dozens of Americans die from overexposure to high temperatures, according to The National Weather Service.

Hot, dry and breezy conditions across the West Coast have also hampered efforts to contain the rapidly expanding Sand Fire. The fast-growing wildfire, which was only 10% contained Sunday, has consumed more than 20,000 acres.

Warmest half-year on record

Scientists note the record temperatures across the country could be part of a long-term global warming phenomenon. Last week NASA announced that every month in 2016 has been the hottest ever recorded.

Global temperatures were on average 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.4 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than average between January and June this year when compared to the late 19th century, NOAA said.

LOS ANGELES (CNS) – A red flag warning his been issued today for the
greater Los Angeles area and is expected to continue through 10 p.m., according
to the National Weather Service.
During this time, there will be a greater chance of brush and wild fires
due to excessive heat and wind.
Meanwhile, temperatures are expected to be somewhat cooler today after
days of sizzling heat that prompted warnings to keep an eye on pets and the
elderly over the weekend.
Temperatures topped 100 degrees Friday in areas including Burbank, Van
Nuys, Chatsworth and Lancaster, while Woodland Hills pushed the 110-degree
mark, according to the National Weather Service.
Saturday’s high was 97 degrees. Today’s NWS forecast calls for a high
temperature that’s 10 degrees cooler than Saturday at 87 degrees.
And with the continuing fire warning, the NWS cites the possibility of
increased fire danger as the hot temperatures combine with dry conditions and
gusty winds. The red flag warning covers the Los Angeles County Mountains,
Angeles National Forest and Antelope and Santa Clarita valleys, where the Sand
Fire continues to rage and spread.
Forecasters warned that the triple-digit heat could present a danger to
some residents, and demand for electricity could be high, creating the
possibility of outages.
“Never, ever leave people or pets in enclosed vehicles, even for a
short period of time,” the NWS warned. “Take extra precautions if you work or
spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early
morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear light weight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink
plenty of water.”
NWS officials noted, however, that the heat wave is not expected to
break local records.
“Friday through Sunday mark the 10-year anniversary of one of the
hottest events on record for any month — Woodland Hills hit 119 on July 22,
2006, the all-time high for any of our climate stations,” according to the
Weather Service.
Inland areas could see higher-than-normal temperatures as late as next
Tuesday, although coastal areas should especially see a cooling trend beginning
today, forecasters said.

CNS-07-24-2016 06:53

Heat wave sticking around here and everywhere

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