Southern California is preparing for scorching temperatures as a heatwave intensifies across the region. The National Weather Service has extended its excessive heat warning for inland areas, deserts, and mountains until Saturday, with temperatures predicted to reach triple digits.
High pressure is expected to dominate the region through early next week, resulting in above-normal temperatures. Particularly dangerous heatwaves may be expected later in the week and into the weekend in interior areas. On Sunday, temperatures in Death Valley are forecasted to hit a blistering 128 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nearly one-third of the population from Southern California to South Florida is under heat advisories and warnings, with record-breaking temperatures impacting millions of people. Phoenix is experiencing its 18th day of consistent temperatures at or above 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Las Vegas, too, is enduring triple-digit temperatures, with emergency rooms reporting a rise in heat-related illnesses and injuries. Miami-Dade County issued its first-ever heat warning due to water temperatures that are typically in the 80s rising to the 90s.
According to Noah Diffenbaugh, a climate scientist at Stanford University, people worldwide are experiencing the hottest days in recorded history and are likely to face increasingly severe heat more often. He emphasized that “global warming is the primary driver of that increase in the frequency of severe heat.”
This heatwave is a stark reminder of the importance of staying hydrated, avoiding unnecessary outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and seeking out cooling centers as needed to protect oneself from the heat.