Millions of Americans from Texas to Maine are bracing themselves for a scorching heat wave set to sweep across the eastern half of the United States this week. Forecasters are predicting rising temperatures beginning Sunday in the South, stretching over the Midwest, and eventually hitting the East Coast by midweek.
Although summer has not officially begun, the early arrival of this stifling weather is expected to linger for days, catching many regions off guard. Here are five key numbers to help put this impending heat wave, and the broader issue of our warming climate, into perspective.
99: The expected high temperature in Fahrenheit on Wednesday in Pittsburgh, which would be the highest ever recorded there during the month of June. Meteorologist Josh Weiss from the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center noted that this could be just one of many temperature records broken this week across the northeastern United States.
22.6 million: The number of people nationwide under extreme heat advisories, watches, or warnings on Saturday, roughly equivalent to the population of Florida. Climate scientist Daniel Swain emphasized that even if you don’t live in an area under an extreme heat warning, it’s important to exercise caution due to the widespread impact of this heat wave.
12: The number of consecutive months in which the average global temperature of the Earth has been the highest on record for that month. Last month was the hottest May ever recorded, and June could mark the 13th consecutive month of record-breaking temperatures.
1,220: The estimated number of deaths per year caused by extreme heat, making it the deadliest form of extreme weather. Heat-related deaths are challenging to track as they often exacerbate underlying health conditions, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like older Americans without access to air conditioning.
4: The highest rating on a new HeatRisk scale developed by the National Weather Service and the CDC to assess health risks associated with extreme heat. This scale takes into account factors such as the unusualness of the heat for the time of year, the duration of the heat wave, and the specific risks posed to a region based on CDC data.
As the heat wave intensifies throughout the week, experts emphasize the importance of taking precautions and preparing for the extreme conditions. With temperatures expected to soar well into the 90s and little relief in sight, it’s crucial for residents in affected areas to stay hydrated, seek shelter in air-conditioned spaces, and be mindful of the potential health risks posed by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
