The American South is being hit by an extreme heat wave. In parts of the country, the “Heat Dome” weather phenomenon – in German “heat dome” – is classified as life-threatening, weather services warn. In Texas, 13 people have already died as the mercury continues to soar.
Such a heat dome is currently being built over the US state of New Mexico, American meteorologists report. By the weekend, the furnace will spread from California to the southern states, affecting 50 million people. US citizens are asked not to go outside their own four walls if possible. During the week, temperatures in parts of Los Angeles soar to 44 degrees.
“Extreme heat will significantly increase the likelihood of heat-related illness, especially for those who work or participate in activities outside the home,” the Las Vegas National Weather Service warned. He also pointed out that it will be especially dangerous in river valleys – where most people hike, do water sports or otherwise enjoy outdoor recreation. Several record temperatures are now said to be on the verge.
Already 13 dead in Texas
At least 13 people have died from the heat in Texas, including two hikers who apparently underestimated the temperatures. The Texas city of Corpus Christi reported a wind chill of 52 degrees at times. The heat dome with “no or little nuisance at night” affects anyone “who does not have effective air conditioning and / or adequate water supply,” the weather service warned.
The combination of low humidity and high temperatures is particularly dangerous for the American Southwest. According to experts, in a bone-dry environment, all sweat evaporates before it can collect on the skin. Means: It may be too late before someone realizes they’re dehydrated, The Washington Post reports.
Extreme heat claims more lives in the United States than any other weather hazard. A major component of heat waves are heat domes, which form vast zones of intense high pressure. Experts are particularly concerned about the duration of the heat wave, although it has been very hot for a long time. An example: In Phoenix, the capital of the state of Arizona, the mercury has been rising above 43 degrees for more than ten days.
The earth is warming up
The chief meteorologist at Climate Matters, Bernadette Woods Placky, told CNN a dramatic picture of the current situation: “The Earth is now roaring towards us, it’s screaming and people should finally listen.” What is happening now is completely anomalous: “The ever-new heat records are taking us into uncharted territory,” Placky explains. Global developments would “literally put us in a whole new climate zone”.
The heat wave in the American South is occurring during the hottest weather on record on Earth. On Monday morning, the World Meteorological Organization said the past week was the warmest since records began, according to preliminary data.
Source: Krone
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