Key Takeaways
Over 60 million people are under heat alerts.
Excessive-heat warnings cover much of California, Oklahoma, and the Gulf Coast.
Record highs and heat indexes threaten various regions, with Death Valley possibly approaching 130 degrees.
A new HeatRisk product forecasts extreme heat threats affecting at least 14 states.
Fire weather concerns arise in California and the Great Basin.
Heat Alerts and Warnings
As July kicks off, an extreme heatwave is sweeping across much of the United States, putting over 60 million people under heat alerts. Excessive-heat warnings are in effect in several regions, including:
California: Significant parts, including around San Francisco.
Oklahoma: Specifically around Tulsa.
Gulf Coast: Including areas such as New Orleans.
The National Weather Service office in Hanford has issued warnings about a “dangerous, prolonged heat wave” that will persist through the week of the Fourth of July, particularly affecting California’s Central Valley. Heat advisories also extend from eastern Kansas through East Texas and across the northern Gulf Coast to southern Georgia and the Florida Panhandle, with cities like Oklahoma City, Dallas, Houston, Mobile, and Tallahassee expecting heat indexes up to 110 degrees.
Extreme Heat Forecast
The heatwave is expected to cause temperatures of 100 degrees or more for at least 45 million Americans this week. Over two-thirds of the U.S. population will experience temperatures of 90 degrees or higher on many days. The new HeatRisk product forecasts a Level 4 (extreme threat) to affect at least 14 states over the next week, with about two dozen states experiencing a Level 3 (major threat).
Regional Breakdown
California: A long and dangerous heat spell is anticipated, with temperatures nearing 100 degrees in the Central Valley and 100 to 110 degrees in desert areas to the south. Coastal areas usually cooled by ocean breezes will also feel the heat due to a stunted marine layer.
Southern States: Areas from Kansas through Oklahoma into Texas will see temperatures of 100 degrees or more. By mid-to-late week, heat will push farther south, while the central Plains might experience slightly below-average temperatures temporarily.
Eastern United States: The heat will intensify heading into the holiday period, with Independence Day expected to be particularly hot from the Mid-Atlantic through the Southeast and back to Texas. Many locations will see mid-to-upper 90s temperatures with higher heat indexes, and similar conditions are likely to persist into the weekend.
Fire Weather Concerns
Fire weather is a significant concern in parts of the west, especially California and the Great Basin. Red flag warnings are issued for central California and southwestern Utah, with several large fires already burning in these regions.
Record Temperatures
June was the hottest on record for many areas, including the intermountain west, South Texas, and parts of New England. July is expected to continue this trend, with hundreds of daily record highs and warm lows potentially being broken coast to coast.
Early Week: A handful of record highs each day.
Thursday through Sunday: Numerous daily records could fall, especially in California and neighboring states. Records may also be possible in the central and eastern U.S. at times.
Notable targets include:
Redding, CA: Around 115 degrees.
Central Valley, CA: Near 110 degrees for several days.
Las Vegas, NV: Temperatures around 115 degrees, with lows near 90.
Death Valley, one of the hottest places on earth, faces potentially record-breaking temperatures. Forecast highs from Monday through Sunday are: 118, 122, 125, 127, 128, 128, and 129 degrees. The hottest reliable temperature recorded there is 130 degrees.
Impact of Warm Nights
Record warm nights, a significant indicator of human-caused climate change, will magnify the dangers of this heatwave. Cities like Phoenix will experience lows above 90 degrees, with many other locations remaining at or above 80 degrees. Warm nights exacerbate the health risks associated with heatwaves, emphasizing the need for caution and preparedness.
Conclusion
As July begins, the U.S. is facing a severe heatwave affecting millions of people. With excessive-heat warnings, record temperatures, and fire weather concerns, it is crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this intense period.
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