Heat Dome Brings Record Temps, Wildfires Across Southwestern U.S.

A heat dome over Texas and the southwestern United States is baking more than 23 million people with some of the summer’s hottest temperatures, leading to heat advisories and warnings, Heat.gov said.

Extreme temperatures were predicted to continue through the end of the week with record or near-record temperatures in some parts of New Mexico, Arizona and Texas, the National Weather Service said, as USA Today reported.

“Hazardous heat continues across Texas and the Gulf Coast with temperatures in the triple digits,” the weather service said.

Heat domes stop cool air from penetrating heat trapped over a region by high pressure, leading to high temperatures for extended periods.

Thunderstorms and heavy rain were also projected for parts of northern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah, according to the National Weather Service.

“The associated heavy rain will create mainly localized areas of flash flooding, with urban areas, roads, small streams, low-lying areas, narrow canyons/gullies, and burn scars the most vulnerable,” the weather service said.

Dry heat and vegetation in Texas was also creating wildfire conditions, reported The Guardian.

“Texans are strongly urged to take all necessary precautions and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep their families and their loved ones safe from wildfires. I thank the Texas division of emergency management and local emergency management personnel for their work as they prepare for potential wildfires across the state,” said Governor Greg Abbott, as The Guardian reported.

The excessive heat was putting the unreliable Texas electrical grid to the test, with millions of customers turning up the air conditioning to battle the sweltering conditions.

More than 800,000 residents of Houston were without power during a hot period earlier this summer after power lines were downed by Hurricane Beryl.

Phoenix was one degree shy of breaking a record when the mercury reached 112 degrees Fahrenheit this week.

It is recommended that those suffering under the heat dome stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities and wear light-colored clothing and sunscreen. Outdoor workers are recommended not to work during the hottest part of the day, but to restrict their work to the early or very late hours. Extreme precautions are advised for vulnerable populations like children and those who are elderly or disabled.

“Heatwaves and prolonged excess heat conditions are increasing in frequency, duration, intensity and magnitude due to climate change,” the World Health Organization said. “Even low and moderate intensity heat waves can impact the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.”

Some states, like Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, have set up cooling centers.

Roughly 1,220 people in the country are killed by extreme heat each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control.