Pacific Northwest heat wave could break temperature records through Thursday

The Pacific Northwest and the northern Rocky Mountains are expecting a dangerous heat wave this week that may break existing temperature records.

Heat Advisory: The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings and advisories for triple-digit temperatures in parts of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Northern California.
* The NWS warns that the extreme heat, due to last until Thursday, poses heightened health risks, particularly for those without adequate air conditioning.
* The greatest risk was identified in western Oregon’s interior valleys and lower elevations which could experience “one of the hottest four-day stretches” on record.

Temperature Details: Record-breaking high temperatures have been forecast for multiple states with minimal temperature drop expected overnight.
* Highs of 105°F in Central California, 106°F in Idaho, 107°F in Oregon, and 108°F in Washington have been forecasted for Tuesday.
* These high temperatures are expected to persist through Thursday, dropping below triple digits on Friday.

Wildfire Risk: The soaring temperatures and ensuing conditions are causing concerns about potential wildfires.
* Parts of Montana, experiencing triple-digit temperatures, high winds, and low humidity have had fire weather watch warnings issued by the NWS as conditions are prime for uncontrollable wildfires.

Heat-related Dangers: The NWS warns about the serious health risks associated with intense heat.
* Extreme heat conditions resulted in the deaths of 148 people last year, including 33 children who died in hot cars.
* Vulnerable groups include young children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying medical conditions, and they are advised to take greater precautions during extreme heat events.

Global Warming: Higher temperatures globally indicate ongoing climate change.
* July was reported as the Earth’s hottest in 174 years with the global sea surface recording high temperatures for the fourth consecutive month.
* The National Centers for Environmental Information predict a “virtually certain” chance of 2023 being in the top five warmest years ever, with a 50% chance of being the warmest year recorded.

View original article on NPR

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