El Niño Escalates Heatwave for 90 Million Americans Enduring Scorching Temperatures

(Photo : Ralph Freso / Getty Images)
El Niño brings scorching temperatures as the heatwave escalates, affecting 90M Americans.

As El Niño intensifies the heatwave, where above 90 million Americans are doing what they can to endure the sweltering weather.

Phoenix, Arizona may set a record for its high temperature, says weather experts as scientists caution that the onset of El Niño and human-caused climate change will cause heatwave severity to increase.

Scorching Temperatures

The United States is currently experiencing extreme weather, including violent thunderstorms, life-threatening wildfires, and unrelenting heat waves. Phoenix, Arizona, is on track to smash a high-temperature record set decades ago, while temperatures across the globe are routinely breaking records.

Scientists offered ominous warnings about the growing severity of heat waves in the warming globe as over 90 million Americans endured sweltering temperatures exceeding 90°F, and 110°F for some areas.

Several regions around the nation are under the influence of heat advisories and excessive heat warnings. The Southern US will continue to face severe heat, from southern California to Louisiana as well as parts of Mississippi, which will increase the number of heat-related illnesses and hospitalizations.

Red Flag Warning in Arizona

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Northern Arizona owing to strong winds and extremely dry conditions, which are exacerbated by the ongoing temperatures.

There are limitations on campfires in place, and the area is still experiencing record heat. The Grand Canyon region is also under an Excessive Heat Warning.

According to The Weather Channel, high winds coupled with low humidity can cause fires to quickly increase in size and severity before responders can put them out.

Meanwhile, Phoenix is under an Excessive Heat Warning as temperatures reach 110 degrees in the afternoon.

Heat advisories include parts of western Oregon, areas far northern California, central New Mexico, Florida, Texas, and the coastal areas of the Carolinas in the United States, according to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center.

Extreme Weather Events

Extreme weather events, which are more deadly than tornadoes and hurricanes, are predicted to increase, endangering vulnerable populations more seriously, especially the elderly and people with preexisting medical conditions. Each year, millions of lightning strike the ground in the US, resulting in fatalities and serious injuries.

Climate scientists have repeatedly warned that the burning of fossil fuels, which is the primary source of human-induced climate change, will likely result in record-breaking heat in 2023. This phenomenon has the direct effect of warming the atmosphere.

The problem is made worse by the change from La Niña, a cooling ocean pattern, to its exact opposite: El Niño, a warming ocean pattern. More frequent and intense heatwaves that affect life worldwide and put human life in jeopardy from dangerously high temperatures are some of the effects.

There have been reports of heat waves in China, Europe, along with other parts of the world, The Economic Times reports.

Also Read: California Rivers Turn Deadly Cold as Heatwaves Cause Massive Snowmelt; Officials Warn Locals Against Jumping In 

Thunderstorms in the Plains

The western High Plains are expected to experience strong thunderstorms, which might bring threats of strong winds, huge hail, and potential tornadoes, according to the US National Weather Service (NWS).

With the potential for significant rainfall, these storms are expected to reach the Central and South Plains. The Pacific Northwest, meanwhile, will see rising heat as inland temperatures are predicted to reach or exceed triple digits.

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