High temperatures are making millions of people sweat as heat levels reach extreme levels of up to 49 degrees C in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi. Furthermore, blackouts are occurring in these areas, further aggravating the situation.
Today officially begins summer and intense heat hits Mexico and the southern United States. This heat wave is causing high temperatures and strong storms, generating significant impacts in these regions.
Under this dome, heat rates exceeded 45 degrees, which means that temperature and humidity are felt more intensely on the body. Sadly, due to the heat and its adverse effects, at least nine people have lost their lives since Sunday.
Severe storms and increased demand for electricity in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi caused power outages that affected more than 250,000 people without power.
heat dome
In north-central Mexico, a heat dome has formed that is generating extremely high temperatures. Records are being broken with heat rates reaching 49 degrees. In and around Mexico City, the temperature typically reaches 21 degrees during this season.
However, right now, around 22 million people are experiencing intense heat with temperatures exceeding 32 degrees. The impact of heat, humidity and pollution on construction workers and others involved in outdoor activities has been especially difficult. These toxic conditions can seriously affect your health and well-being.
Sadly, eight deaths have been reported due to the extreme heat across the country. Government health authorities are issuing an urgent warning for people to take the necessary precautions in the face of high temperatures exceeding 86 degrees in each of the country’s 32 states.
According to meteorologists, this weather pattern should continue for a period of 10 to 15 days, affecting an estimated population of 25 million people in the southern United States.
In North America, there is a large area in the south that is experiencing abnormally high temperatures, which is generating huge storms and causing disruption in different areas.
Additionally, a marine heat wave is taking place that experts have linked to the boy. It is a phenomenon in which the oceans are warming at an accelerated rate, which is causing abnormally high land temperatures and an increase in atmospheric energy.
the perfect storm
Climatologists and environmental experts are warning of a worrying weather pattern that could lead to record temperatures. Cases of temperatures above 38 degrees have been reported earlier than expected for this time of year.
In recent days, the Gulf Coast and Southern Plains have experienced a combination of intense heat and high winds. This situation has left more than 280,000 people without power in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi since last Tuesday. On Sunday, a powerful EF-3 tornado wrought havoc in Mississippi with 150 mph sustained winds and unfortunately claimed the lives of at least one person.
Extremely strong winds were felt in Tulsa, Oklahoma, reaching over 180 km/h. These winds caused significant damage, uprooting trees and downing power lines. In fact, it was recorded as the biggest wind warning in the city’s history.
Faced with high temperatures and heat indexes in excess of 32 degrees, teams were quickly dispatched to repair over 700 damaged poles and cables. These incidents left a total of 165,000 people without electricity.
On Tuesday, Governor Kevin Stitt, who is currently out of the country, asked Acting Senate President Greg Treat to sign an executive order declaring a state of emergency in 10 counties. This measure comes in response to the current situation and will allow for the adoption of effective actions to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the affected areas.
Tulsa officials have warned that power may not be restored until next Saturday. Meanwhile, temperatures are expected to reach 106 degrees.
Turn up the heat, turn down the rights
Recently, in Texas, extreme weather occurred shortly after a labor law was passed by Governor Greg Abbott. This law brought with it the elimination of the right of civil construction workers to drink water and rest regularly, among other provisions.
During an extreme heat event, experts recommend taking precautions and avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day. It’s important to stay hydrated by drinking at least three liters of water daily, according to the Red Cross.
To stay cool inside, it’s a good idea to close the shades to keep out the heat, use reflectors in the windows to block out the sun’s rays, and turn on fans and air conditioners to keep the temperature comfortable.
Efforts are understandably challenging when energy is lacking. In affected areas, such as parts of Tulsa and Houston, where outages have occurred, several large cities are offering cooling centers in public libraries and community centers to help mitigate the heat. In Tulsa, one person was tragically reported dead due to his ventilator losing power.
The heat is expected to persist, with no relief in sight until the weekend at the earliest. “The overnight lows at the highest are in the 70s,” said Bob Oravec, chief meteorologist for the National Weather Service. “So there really isn’t any good opportunity to cool down.”
With information from grist.org