The Heat Wave

[phkrause]

?️ "Gobsmackingly" hot September

Data: JRA-55 data via Zeke Hausfather. Chart: Tory Lysik/Axios Visuals The planet has shattered heat records in recent months. But even by the standards of a sizzling summer, September's temperature anomaly stands out, Axios extreme-weather expert Andrew Freedman writes. Why it matters: Following the hottest June through August on record, and the globe's hottest ever month in July, last month's preliminary data has astonished climate researchers. ? By the numbers: In data from the Japan Meteorological Agency, September beat the previous hottest September by 0.5°C (0.9°F). Typically, monthly records are beaten by fractions of a degree — with such narrow margins that different climate centers around the world can rank them differently.

[phkrause]

?️ Warm winter for New England, Midwest, NW

Data: NOAA. Map: Erin Davis/Axios There are higher than average odds for unusually mild conditions across much of the Lower 48 states, particularly along the northern tier and into the Northeast, Axios' Andrew Freedman writes from a NOAA outlook out yesterday. Why it matters: A strong El Niño in the tropical Pacific Ocean, plus record-high global ocean temperatures, will shape our winter. Keep reading ... Go deeper: Explore Axios Visuals' in-depth project on El Nino's global impact.

[phkrause]

A warmer than usual summer blamed for hungry, hungry javelinas ripping through Arizona golf course

SEDONA, Ariz. (AP) — Operators of a northern Arizona golf course think they have finally found the right repellent for javelinas ripping apart their turf — chili oil.

https://apnews.com/article/arizona-javelina-golf-course-c6bfee3bb465867f81e417c506a685f8?

[phkrause]

?️ Hottest October ever

Data: JRA-55 via Zeke Hausfather. Chart: Simran Parwani/Axios Last month may not have been as "gobsmackingly" hot as September. But the globe set a decisive record for hottest October on record, Axios' Andrew Freedman writes. Why it matters: Earth is well on its way to having its hottest year.

[phkrause]

Why so much of the US is unseasonably hot

A powerful winter storm was dumping deep snow in parts of the West on Monday and much of the central U.S. was unseasonably warm: People played golf in Wisconsin and comfortably walked their dogs in Iowa, where some bulbs were starting to flower. And high winds hiked fire risks in several states.

https://apnews.com/article/jet-stream-winter-warm-weather-59aa15e41f20a474566e00857df441eb?

[phkrause]

? Lost winter

Data: NOAA SNODAS and RTMA. Chart: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals This winter has been anything but ordinary, featuring sizzling heat waves more typical for midsummer than late February, along with flooding rains in the East, a dry and mild Midwest, and a fusillade of atmospheric river storms hitting the West Coast, Axios' Andrew Freedman writes. Why it matters: This year's meteorological winter, which comprises December, January and February, looks like the Lower 48's warmest on record. Many cities in the northern tier of the country busted their previous records for their warmest winter, according to preliminary data. This includes the Twin Cities, where the season is being referred to as the Lost Winter, due to the mild temperatures and lack of snowfall.

[phkrause]

Last month was hottest February ever recorded. It’s the ninth-straight broken record

WASHINGTON (AP) — For the ninth straight month, Earth has obliterated global heat records — with February, the winter as a whole and the world’s oceans setting new high-temperature marks, according to the European Union climate agency Copernicus.

https://apnews.com/article/hot-climate-change-records-oceans-0af09f155051b25d245a0fd28fe23af6?

[phkrause]

?️ Sizzling summer

Map: NOAA/Climate Prediction Center A hotter than usual summer is likely to occur in the U.S. and many other parts of the globe, Axios' Andrew Freedman writes from new forecasts and scientific research. Michelle L'Heureux, who leads the forecasting unit that predicts El Niño and La Niña at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center in Maryland, told Axios that other climate trends, such as human-caused climate change, may outrank the see-saw from El Niño to La Niña as the dominant driver of U.S. summer temperature anomalies.

[phkrause]

?️ Atlantic's record hot streak ends

Data: NOAA OIST v2.1 via Climate Reanalyzer, University of Maine. (Mean covers 1982-2011.) Chart: Simran Parwani/Axios Ocean temperatures in the North Atlantic went an astonishing 421 straight days at record highs before the streak ended Monday, Axios extreme weather expert Andrew Freedman writes. Why it matters: Ocean temperatures in the North Atlantic help determine how active the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season will be. Even if Atlantic Ocean temperatures were to increase at an unusually slow rate through the heart of the warm season, temperatures would still be well above average. Keep reading ..

[phkrause]

?️ Hottest summer ever

Data: National Weather Service. Map: Axios Visuals The continental U.S. could challenge its record for the hottest summer on record, Axios' Andrew Freedman writes from a National Weather Service climate outlook. Why it matters: Heat is the top weather-related killer in the U.S. in a typical year. A combination of factors is coming together to make this summer particularly hazardous. For millions along the Gulf Coast, the heat and humidity have already begun. Key West recorded a record heat index on Wednesday of 114.4°F. High temperatures this week have been in the upper 90s in much of South Florida. Unusually warm waters are already playing a role in elevating temperatures and increasing humidity levels. Keep reading ...

[phkrause]

AP analysis finds 2023 set record for US heat deaths, killing in areas that used to handle the heat

David Hom suffered from diabetes and felt nauseated before he went out to hang his laundry in 108-degree weather, another day in Arizona’s record-smashing, unrelenting July heat wave.

https://apnews.com/article/record-heat-deadly-climate-change-humidity-south-11de21a526e1cbe7e306c47c2f12438d?

[phkrause]

Heat dome

 

A heat dome is sending temperatures into the triple-digits across the Western US as wildfires burn in the region. Excessive heat warnings are in effect this week for more than 10 million people in California, Nevada and Arizona — with some areas expecting temperatures 20 degrees or more above average. The soaring temperatures are being caused by a heat dome, a large area of high pressure that parks over a region, traps air and heats it with abundant sunshine for days or weeks. The extreme weather will get underway today in California's Central Valley — including where the Corral Fire is burning near Tracy. Forecasts show the heat dome will expand its reach into the Southwest by Wednesday and the Pacific Northwest later in the week. 

[phkrause]

Phoenix using ice immersion to treat heatstroke victims as Southwest bakes with highs well over 100

PHOENIX (AP) — The season’s first heat wave is already baking the Southwest with triple-digit temperatures as firefighters in Phoenix — America’s hottest big city — employ new tactics in hopes of saving more lives in a county that saw 645 heat-related deaths last year.

https://apnews.com/article/southwest-heat-wave-58e5c7079a46c6158646d42cb5355bb2?

[phkrause]

? It's getting hot

Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios

D.C., prepare to be sweaty AF — our unusually hot summer is just ramping up. Why it matters: Sure, D.C. summers are hot and swampy, but this one seems extra sticky: Expect long periods of 90-degree days and some "brutal, sauna-like conditions," the Capital Weather Gang predicts. Other predictions: The average temperature from June through August is forecast to be about one degree above the 1991-2020 average. There are 40 predicted 90-degree days for June, July, and August, compared to the average of 34. The longest 90-degree day streak this summer: Eight to 10 days. The number of 100-degree days: One or two. Context: These predictions are on the heels of D.C. just seeing one of its warmest winters and springs on record. May marked D.C.'s sixth warmer-than-normal month in a row, says Capital Weather Gang. Zoom in: Summers have been getting hotter due to human-caused climate change and sprawl. D.C. now has 16 more summer days above the long-term average than it did in 1970, and 10 more days above 90°F during the same period, based on data crunched by Climate Central. Threat level: Extreme heat is a major public health threat and plays a role in droughts and wildfires. The good news...

[phkrause]

Extreme heat

 

Heat advisories are in effect for more than 25 million people in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico as temperatures soar across parts of the US. Driving this prolonged, unseasonable heat is a robust heat dome — a large area of high pressure that parks over an area, traps air and heats it with abundant sunshine for days or weeks. Several temperature records were broken Thursday across states including California, Arizona and Nevada. Las Vegas reached 111 degrees, topping the record of 110 degrees set in 2010. In California, a high of 122 degrees in Death Valley broke a record set in 1996. Phoenix also set a record high of 113 degrees, with more triple-digit temperatures expected today.

[phkrause]

Heat wave menacing Southwest to break records in more cities before easing

"Dangerously hot" conditions may peak across portions of interior California, the Great Basin, the Southwest and South Texas on Friday. Still, extreme heat is likely to "plod" into next week, the National Weather Service warned.

https://www.axios.com/2024/06/07/southwest-us-heat-wave-california-vegas-phoenix-record?

[phkrause]

Record-threatening heat wave to expand across the U.S.

A heat wave centered across the Southwest is set to expand in area and slide eastward, affecting the Plains, Midwest, Ohio Valley, and eventually the big cities of the East Coast late this week through next week, and possibly longer.

https://www.axios.com/2024/06/12/heat-wave-expands-east-coast-june?

[phkrause]

? Record heatwave

By Anna Spiegel and Andrew Freedman

Forecast high temperatures on June 18, showing widespread temperatures in the 90s from Arizona to New York. Photo: NWS via Pivotal Weather

A heatwave is sliding eastward, hitting D.C. and East Coast cities through next week — and possibly longer. Why it matters: Extreme heat is the top weather-related killer in the U.S. A heat wave this time of year carries heightened health risks since people are not yet accustomed to the high temperatures. Zoom in: The D.C. area is experiencing an "appetizer round of heat" today, according to the Capital Weather Gang, with temperatures reaching near 90°F — the hottest this year after a largely comfortable spring. The worst heat is expected to start mid-to-late next week. Highs could reach the mid-90s. With rising humidity, parts of the area could feel at least 105°F. This heat could set records. D.C. hasn't had a 100°F day since 2016. The big picture: A large area of high pressure, also known as a heat dome, is building over much of the Central and Eastern half of the country into next week, computer models and NWS forecasts show.

[phkrause]

Brace for extreme heat

Model projections showing the near-record intensity of the heat dome affecting the Eastern U.S. midweek next week. Image: Weatherbell.com A June heat wave for the record books is set to send temperatures soaring from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic and Northeast beginning Sunday. It'll continue into the coming weeks, Axios' Andrew Freedman writes. Why it matters: This is the first heat wave of the summer for millions of Americans, and its extended duration heightens the public health threat. ? Threat level: By next Friday, more than 260 million people in the U.S. are forecast to see air temperatures reach or exceed 90°F, with many experiencing heat indices at or above 100°F. Affected big cities include Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston. Even northern Maine is likely to see temperatures soar into the upper 90s. NWS forecast high temperatures on June 19, showing highs in the 90s to low 100s°F across the Central U.S., Midwest, Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic and New England. Image: NWS via Pivotal Weather Keep reading.

[phkrause]

?️ Mapped: Record heat wave

Data: National Weather Service. Map: Jared Whalen/Axios A heat dome that's building in intensity in the Midwest is expected to unleash extreme temperatures from Iowa to Virginia and Maine this week, Axios' Andrew Freedman writes. It could peak at record intensity in New England on Wednesday and Thursday. Why it matters: Extreme heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer in the U.S. Human-caused climate change is making heat waves more likely, longer lasting and more intense. ⚠️ Even northern Maine, which typically is just emerging into warmer conditions at this time of year, is likely to see temperatures soar into the upper 90s this week.

[phkrause]

Nearly 200 high-temperature records could be tied or broken this week as an expansive heat wave grips the Midwest and Northeast. The heat arrived in the South and Midwest as many families celebrated Father's Day outdoors on Sunday, prompting alerts to stay cool amid 90-degree temperatures in some areas. The most extreme heat risk is now in place from the Great Lakes into the Northeast, according to the National Weather Service. This includes the major metropolitan areas of Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New York City and Boston. Meanwhile, windy conditions in Southern California are potentially fueling the flames of the Post Fire in Los Angeles County. The blaze has charred nearly 15,000 acres and was only 2% contained as of midday Sunday.

[phkrause]

Over 75 million people in the US are under heat alerts. Go indoors and hydrate

PHOENIX (AP) — Over 75 million people in the United States were under extreme heat alerts Monday as a heat wave moved eastward, and the mid-Atlantic and New England were likely to see highs in the 90s as the week progresses. Excessive humidity will make it feel even more oppressive.

https://apnews.com/article/severe-weather-heat-thunderstorms-cold-snow-43b96b6f2996b9735e8b201b8dd3cc31?

[phkrause]

Around 270 million people in the US could see temperatures at or above 90 degrees this week as an intense heat wave ushers in the official start of summer on Thursday. Parts of the Midwest to the Northeast could endure the longest heat wave they've seen in decades, the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center said. Temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday will be the hottest days of the week for several metropolitan cities, and the surrounding days will only be slightly less brutal. Some areas, including Montpelier, Vermont; Syracuse, New York; and Pittsburgh, haven't seen heat like this in about 30 years. Some affected areas have started to activate heat protocols, including cooling centers to help prevent heat-related illnesses. 

[phkrause]

Sweltering cities

Map showing maximum air temperatures forecast for Friday. Image: Pivotal Weather Millions of Americans will likely be sweltering under record-high temperatures this weekend, Axios' Jacob Knutson and Andrew Freedman report. ♨️ A particularly strong heat dome has enveloped the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Northeast, blanketing big cities in stifling conditions. New York City will likely see highs in the low 90s over the next three days, and then again next week, according to National Weather Service forecasts. Washington, D.C., should peak over the weekend, with highs between 97°F and 99°F, with temperatures continuing in the 90s through next week, potentially all the way until the end of June. Philadelphia is set to see high temperatures of 90°F or higher through June 24, according to the NWS forecast, with an expected peak of 99°F on Friday. ?️ Overnight lows could set dozens of records — a key indicator of a dangerous heat wave. Temperatures aren't expected to dip below 70, even at night, in Chicago, Boston, St. Louis, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and several other cities.

[phkrause]

Triple-digit threat

By Andrew Freedman and Cuneyt Dil

Data: National Weather Service. Map: Axios The heat wave is peaking in D.C., with forecasts for tomorrow and Sunday reaching triple digits. Why it matters: The duration of the heat is dangerous. Since Monday, it's been 90 or above every day — and the high temperatures are expected to stick around through next week. The latest: The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for the DMV tomorrow, with a high near 100, heat index values reaching as high as 107, and a chance of thunderstorms. Sunday will be near 99. Monday and Tuesday will return to the low 90s, and then temps will jump again Wednesday, when it's forecast to reach 98. ?️ Threat level: Three things make this heat wave particularly dangerous. First is the timing, since such heat is so rare this time of year. Then there's the fact that it is the season's first extreme heat wave. This heightens the risk to those without access to cooling, the very young and elderly, and those with chronic health conditions. Lastly, there's the duration. Long-lasting events are more likely to lead to infrastructure malfunctions, from power outages to the melting of airport tarmacs. Extreme heat can slow outdoor work and snarl transportation networks, particularly railways and airports. Metro trains above ground were slowing to 35mph yesterday because rail temperatures went above 135 degrees. Zoom out: The heat wave — officially categorized as three days or more at 90 degrees — has slowly built over the week in East Coast cities. D.C. could see 90s through the rest of the month. Fun fact: It's incredibly hard to get National Airport to go to 100, and not as hard as BWI or Dulles. The breeze off the Potomac River can impact it.