More than 30% of the population is still threatened by extreme heat. According to the National Integrated Health Information Heat Information System (NIHHIS) website, Heat.gov, more than 100 million people are under an advisory for high temperatures that have exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit in much of the southern United States.
These days, the states most affected by this sweltering heat wave are California, Arizona, Nevada and Texas. Also affected are states such as Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. In Death Valley, (California) it came close to reaching 130º Fahrenheit. In Arizona's capital, Phoenix, the city's all-time heat record was surpassed on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS):
Record broken: Temperatures this afternoon have been as high as 116°F so far in Phoenix. This breaks the daily record of 115°F, set in 1989.
Record Broken: The temperature this afternoon has been up to 116°F so far in Phoenix. This breaks the daily record of 115°F, set in 1989. #azwx
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) July 18, 2023
In Texas, the NWS warns that thermometers will continue to show high temperatures and will remain high for the next few days. With this in mind, they have recommend residents of the central and northern part of the state to drink plenty of water to avoid health problems generally derived from the heat. The forecast is for 115 degrees Fahrenheit in the Northeast and in cities like Dallas to reach 111 degrees Fahrenheit:
The excessive heat warning is now in effect for all of North and Central Texas. There will be an increased risk of heat-related illness, especially for those who will be spending time outdoors this afternoon. Be sure to drink plenty of water!
The Excessive Heat Warning is now in effect for all of North and Central Texas. There will be an increased risk for heat related illnesses, especially for those that will be spending time outdoors this afternoon. Make sure to drink plenty of water! #dfwwx #ctxwx #txwx pic.twitter.com/5VrvPVUO9L
— NWS Fort Worth (@NWSFortWorth) July 19, 2023
In both Texas and Arizona, the heat wave generated a record level of electricity consumption on Monday due to the prolonged use of air conditioners throughout the day. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which provides electric infrastructure to nearly 26 million Texans, reported that electric demand reached 81,911 megawatts (MW).
Health risks and diseases caused by the heat wave
Authorities have already warned of the serious health risks that can result from this heat wave if precautions are not taken. Good hydration, avoiding exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day and always trying t remain in well-conditioned places are the main preventions given by the NWS.
Through an infographic published on its website, the NWS explains how each citizen should act. In the case of heat exhaustion, they recommends moving to air-conditioned places, loosen clothes, drink cool water and, if symptoms do not disappear, seek medical help. These symptoms are dizziness, nausea, intense sweating, thirst and a feeling of body weakness.
On the other hand, in the event that a person around you suffers a heat stroke, it is recommended to quickly call the emergency services, since that person may have fainted or become confused, and to move him/her to an air-conditioned place.
