As the American west continues to swelter under unrelenting heat, officials are bracing for even more intense temperatures this weekend. More than a third of Americans are under extreme heat alerts, with California facing a powerful heat dome that will bring sweltering conditions to central and southern parts of the state. Death Valley national park is expected to equal or surpass its heat record of 130F (54.4C), while Las Vegas could see three consecutive days with a high of 115F (46C).
“It’s like being in hell on earth,” said a Phoenix resident, as the city endures a two-week stretch of temperatures above 110F (43C). Phoenix is expecting its hottest weekend of the year, with highs expected to reach up to 120F (48.8C).
The heat comes as the US grapples with extreme weather across the country, from tornadoes in Chicago to historic flooding in Vermont. Joe Biden has pledged to help communities prepare as Americans experience “the devastating impacts of the climate crisis.”
Forecasters warn that the long heatwave is extremely dangerous, particularly for older people, unhoused residents, and other vulnerable populations. Officials across the west have repurposed public libraries, senior centers, and police department lobbies as cooling centers, especially in desert areas.
“This weekend there will be some of the most serious and hot conditions we’ve ever seen,” said David Hondula, Phoenix’s chief heat officer. “I think that it’s a time for maximum community vigilance.”
Emergency room doctors in Las Vegas are treating dehydrated construction workers and passed-out elderly residents, as the heatwave sends people to the hospital. The National Weather Service in Las Vegas said that this heatwave is not typical desert heat due to its long duration, extreme daytime temperatures, and warm nights.
Southwest US HeatwaveHomeless residents in Palm Springs, where temperatures could climb to 120F (48.8C) this weekend, are struggling to find shade and relief. “I basically just use water as much as I can. And hit shade. And, you know, the mall, wherever they’ll let you in,” said John Summers, a homeless resident.
Meanwhile, in northern California, cooling centers are planned to offer extended evening hours, and pet owners are urged to keep their animals mostly inside. “Dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke and can literally die within minutes. Please leave them at home in the air conditioning,” said David Szymanski, park superintendent for Santa Monica mountains national recreation area.
The wildfire season is also ramping up amid the hot, dry conditions, with a series of blazes erupting across the state this week. California has instituted a $400m extreme heat action plan to protect workers, help vulnerable communities, and assist local communities in opening cooling centers.
“We’re urging everyone to be aware of the extreme heat conditions and take necessary precautions to stay safe,” said a National Weather Service spokesperson. As the climate emergency “supercharges” heat waves, Californians are bracing for a long and hot summer.”