National Weather Service Issues Severe Warning For Huge Swath Of U.S.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe warning that impacts upward of 109 million Americans—almost 1/3rd of the U.S.

According to that agency, the entirety of the Southwestern United States will be affected by a severe heat wave that many are calling the longest on record.

These areas include but are not limited to: California, the Mississippi Valley, and the Great Plains.

The National Weather Service shared this public service announcement explaining the differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

During hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged in ways you may not expect. Stay #WeatherReady by learning the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses.
https://t.co/ihZJ1hmzXJ pic.twitter.com/4cv9WEKyWT

— National Weather Service (@NWS) July 13, 2023

Everyone is at risk from the dangers of extreme heat, but these groups are more vulnerable than most. Ensure that your loved ones and neighbors are safe from the heat and remain #WeatherReady. https://t.co/em4Ggnzjxq pic.twitter.com/i3oomzBX6L

— National Weather Service (@NWS) July 13, 2023

Atmospheric and weather expert Colin McCarthy explained: “The National Weather Service is now forecasting Death Valley to soar up to 131°F (55°C), which, if recorded by a weather station, would be the highest temperature ever reliably recorded on Earth.”

The National Weather Service is now forecasting Death Valley to soar up to 131°F (55°C), which, if recorded by a weather station, would be the highest temperature ever reliably recorded on Earth. pic.twitter.com/Jonl9GBfzB

— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) July 13, 2023

The Epoch Times provided more information:

By the weekend, multiple locations across the west could see record-breaking temperatures, according to NWS, while locations further east in the Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley, and southeast could see temperatures reach the upper 90s and low 100s, although high humidity levels could make it feel much warmer in those areas—up to 115 degrees.

PBS News Hour recently sat down with journalist and climate writer Jeff Goodell to get his thoughts on the National Weather Service warning and the current heat wave.

Tens of millions of people living in the Southwest are dealing with triple digit heat and the National Weather Service says it’s one of the longest heat waves in modern record.

For more on this we spoke with @jeffgoodell. https://t.co/x2wbLMyl6O pic.twitter.com/J5RSlynvkK

— PBS NewsHour (@NewsHour) July 11, 2023

The Hill published this related report:

There’s a “greater than 90% chance” the El Niño, which developed unusually early this year, will last through winter in early 2024, National Weather Service forecasters said Thursday.