US Heat Wave Sets Records, Affects 130 Million Across the Country

WASHINGTON — A massive heat wave is currently sweeping across the United States, affecting approximately 130 million people with severe heat advisories stretching from the Pacific Northwest to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. This historic weather event is expected to shatter numerous temperature records nationwide.

According to Philippines News Agency, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings about oppressive heat and humidity that will push temperatures past 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in multiple regions, including Oregon. Cities like Eugene, Portland, and Salem might experience unprecedented highs. Meteorologist Jacob Asherman emphasized that dozens of US temperature records could be broken, leading millions to seek refuge in cooling centers spread from Bullhead City, Arizona, to Norfolk, Virginia. The NWS has extended an excessive heat warning for much of the Southwest until Friday.

A particularly concerning forecast by the NWS in Las Vegas noted that the area is “just getting started” with the heat wave, with temperatures expected to peak from Sunday to Wednesday. Las Vegas and Phoenix have already reported record-breaking temperatures, with Phoenix hitting 118F (47.7C) on Friday. Higher temperatures ranging from 115 to 120F (46.1 to 48.8C) are expected across the lower deserts throughout the week.

Even cooler elevations, like those around Lake Tahoe, are under rare heat advisories, with the NWS in Reno warning of “major heat risk impacts, even in the mountains.” Death Valley, notorious for its extreme temperatures, set a new record of 127F (52.8C) on Friday, surpassing its previous 2013 record. Palm Springs, California, also broke its temperature record, reaching 124F (51.1C). Forecasts predict that temperatures could soar to 130F (54.4C) in Furnace Creek, Death Valley National Park, by mid-week.

The heat wave is not only impacting the West. In Baltimore and parts of Maryland, heat index values are expected to climb to 110F (43C), leading to excessive heat warnings. Tragically, the heat has already resulted in several deaths, including a 10-year-old boy in Phoenix, highlighting the severe risks of the current conditions.