Catastrophic Heat Waves Threaten Millions Across the United States Over the Weekend
The Eastern United States is experiencing a refreshing change from the usual summer heat this weekend, as a strong cold front sweeps in from Canada, bringing cooler temperatures and lower humidity. This cooler air mass is expected to persist through the week, with temperatures falling into the 60s and 70s, and some areas in the northern Plains experiencing near-record cold highs.
Contrasting to the Eastern U.S., a heat wave persists in the Western regions, with temperatures soaring and the risk of heat-related illnesses on the rise. The National Weather Service (NWS) has predicted oppressive heat and humidity to affect much of the Eastern U.S. this weekend, but advisories related to extreme heat or high humidity are not in effect for the Eastern states.
WBGT, a measure of heat stress that includes air temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, angle of the Sun, and wet-bulb temperature, provides crucial insights into the risks associated with outdoor activities during extreme heat events. However, the forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s and low 100s Fahrenheit across the Central Plains and Midwest, with no significant WBGT values predicted for the Eastern U.S.
In the face of the cooler, drier air mass, people across the Eastern U.S. can enjoy fall-like conditions, with temperatures that are much cooler than typical summer heat levels. The NWS advises people to stay indoors in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, and drink plenty of fluids. It is also a good time to check up on relatives and neighbors, especially those who are heat-sensitive, including children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions.
Despite the cooler temperatures, it is important to remember that global warming is increasing the intensity and duration of extreme wet-bulb conditions, making WBGT an important metric for understanding human survivability in a changing climate. As we move forward, it is crucial to stay informed about local weather conditions and take necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy.
[1] National Weather Service. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.weather.gov/
[2] The Weather Channel. (2022, August 14). Retrieved from https://weather.com/
[3] AccuWeather. (2022, August 14). Retrieved from https://www.accuweather.com/
- The article from Gizmodo delves into the potential implications of the WBGT metric in environmental-science and health-and-wellness, as it helps predict heat stress during climate-change events.
- Earth-science researchers are focusing on the future impact of technology on weather forecasting, with GPS-enabled sensors providing real-time data for more accurate predictions.
- As the Eastern United States enjoys a brief reprieve from summer heat, experts urge individuals to stay informed about local weather conditions to ensure safety and well-being during this changing climate.
- In the context of the ongoing global warming, it is imperative for earth-science and climate-change research to investigate potential mitigation strategies for preventing extreme heat events, safeguarding the health and welfare of future generations.
