The Heat Wave

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Dangerously hot temperatures are scorching the US, the result of a record-breaking heat wave that is shifting to New York and the I-95 corridor. More than 100 million Americans are under heat advisories, watches and warnings through the weekend across the Northeast and Southwest. Widespread upper 90s and even triple digits will be possible around Washington, DC. If the nation's capital reaches the 100-degree mark, it will be the first time since August 2016. Scientists have warned that heat waves will become more frequent and severe as the climate crisis intensifies. Nighttime temperatures are also becoming unbearable in some of the most densely populated areas of the world where many communities lack access to air conditioning.

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July's fiery U.S. temperature outlook makes June look tame

The latest U.S. temperature outlook for July, typically the hottest month, offers little comfort for those hoping the June heat waves are an aberration.

https://www.axios.com/2024/06/21/july-temperature-outlook-us-heat-waves?

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☀️ Heat days are the new snow days

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

School days are getting cut short, and summer camps are changing their schedules to beat the heat, Axios' April Rubin writes. The big picture: The Midwest and Northeast are ill-equipped to handle temperatures in the 90s or higher this early in the season. ?️ Zoom in: Worcester, Mass., the state's second-largest school district, ended the school year a couple of days early amid the heat wave because many of its buildings don't have air conditioning. In New Jersey and New York, some school districts set early dismissal. Camp North Star in Poland Spring, Maine, is moving outdoor activities, including tennis and soccer, from 1:30 p.m. to 9:30 a.m., The Washington Post reports. Camps in Augusta, Mich., switched to slower-paced activities and indoor games.

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How does heat kill? It confuses your brain. It shuts down your organs. It overworks your heart

As temperatures and humidity soar outside, what’s happening inside the human body can become a life-or-death battle decided by just a few degrees. The critical danger point outdoors for illness and death from relentless heat is several degrees lower than experts once thought, say researchers who put people in hot boxes to see what happens to them. Read more.

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Biden administration announces new rule to protect workers from heat-related illnesses

WASHINGTON – Senior Biden administration officials announced a proposed rule Tuesday to prevent heat-related illness in the workplace, as climate change brings hotter temperatures around the nation.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2024/07/02/biden-administration-announces-new-rule-to-protect-workers-from-heat-related-illnesses/?

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"Life-threatening" heat wave hits California as wildfires burn

California's heat wave that began Tuesday looks more intense and longer-lasting than expected, potentially pushing it into all-time record territory.

https://www.axios.com/2024/07/03/california-heat-wave-wildfires?

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Federal heat protections for workers

By Astrid Galván and Naheed Rajwani-Dharsi

Illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios. Photos: Aamir Qureshi/AFP and Xinhua via Getty Images

The Biden administration this week published a new rule for employers that aims to help protect about 36 million workers from heat-related illnesses and death. If finalized, the rule would establish the country's first federal safety standard addressing excessive heat in the workplace. Why it matters: The proposal comes as lawmakers, and the widow of a Dallas mail carrier who died of heat-related injuries last summer, have repeatedly called for more worker protections during the summer months. The Legislature and Gov. Greg Abbott last year halted local regulations that mandated water breaks for outdoor workers. By the numbers: There were 33,890 work-related heat injuries and illnesses nationwide between 2011 and 2020, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. At least 42 workers died from heat exposure in Texas from 2011-2021, the most of any state. State of play: The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration's proposed rule would require certain employers to establish a heat safety coordinator for the workplace and develop procedures for responding to symptoms of heat illness. Employers would also be required to monitor heat levels for outdoor workers. It would apply to indoor and outdoor workers who engage in physical activity and are exposed to a heat index of 80 degrees or higher. The other side: It's a challenge for employers to determine when employees need protection from the heat, Marc Freedman, a vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, wrote in a public comment.

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Persistent heat wave in the US shatters new records, causes deaths in the West and grips the East

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A long-running heat wave that has already shattered previous records across the U.S. persisted on Sunday, baking parts of the West with dangerous temperatures that caused the death of a motorcyclist in Death Valley and held the East in its hot and humid grip.

https://apnews.com/article/heat-wave-dangerous-high-temperatures-records-f64b0459aaf83e0a4a12ab6d5e626bb5?

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Central Florida under heat advisory Monday with 112-degree ‘feels-like’ temps forecast

The National Weather Service has placed all of Central Florida under a heat advisory from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday with peak heat index values forecast to approach from 106-112 degrees.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/07/08/central-florida-under-heat-advisory-monday-with-112-degree-feels-like-temps-forecast/?

 

? Heat waves are getting longer

Data: EPA; Note: Includes 50 most populated metros; New York City, Houston, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Denver were excluded for incomplete data in this period; Chart: Axios Visuals Heat waves in Dallas-Fort Worth now last an average of four days longer than they did in the 1960s, per a new Environmental Protection Agency analysis of U.S. heat trends. Why it matters: Prolonged heat can strain power grids and lead to heat illnesses and death, particularly among vulnerable populations. Heat wave seasons are lengthening across the country meaning excessive temperatures can occur at times when people aren't expecting it, like in early spring and late fall, per the EPA report. The big picture: Heat waves nationwide are becoming longer, more frequent and more intense. The average number of heat waves has increased from two per year in the 1960s to six per year in this decade. And they last about a day longer now than they did in the 1960s. How it works: The EPA analyzed climate trends in the 50 largest U.S. metro areas. Heat waves are defined as two or more consecutive days with a daily temperature above the 85th percentile of historical July and August temperatures for the city. The metric adjusts for how hot it is due to humidity. The 85th percentile is equivalent to the "nine hottest days during the hottest two months of the year." Zoom in: Dallas-Fort Worth area heat waves last about four days longer than they did, an increase double that of the national average of major U.S. cities. Temperatures during heat waves are about 0.7 degrees hotter now than they were in the 1960s. The bottom line: Even small increases in heat can be catastrophic, the report says.

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? DMV heat risks

Data: National Weather Service HeatRisk forecast. Map: Will Chase/Axios Parts of the DMV are under extreme and major heat risks today, with highs around 96 and heat index values as high as 106. Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared a heat emergency for D.C. through tomorrow evening — check out our guides to staying cool around town.

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Mapped: The deadly U.S. heat wave marches on

The record-shattering heat plaguing much of the East and West shows no signs of ebbing. Instead, it may actually spread further during the next seven days, from the West to the Southeast.

https://www.axios.com/2024/07/11/mapped-the-deadly-heat-wave-marches-on?

[phkrause]

Extreme heat causes travel delays

An Amtrak train arrives at BWI amid high heat. Photo: Graeme Sloan, Bloomberg via Getty Images

You're not the only one moving slower in a heat wave. Extreme temperatures are slowing down Metro trains and causing Amtrak delays. Why it matters: Climate change impacts transportation and we're feeling the effects with hotter, longer commutes. ?️ The big picture: Prolonged high temperatures can cause outdoor rail tracks to expand and deform. As a result, Amtrak and Metro trains operate at slower speeds when heat spikes and railways are closely monitored for kinks — not common, but precautionary measures are taken. Zoom in: Metro trains are reduced to 35 mph on outdoor tracks when the rails get above 135° (typically they operate at max 59 mph). WMATA spokespersons tell Axios that speed restrictions don't delay trains much — typically minutes. That said, waits aren't comfortable. Underground stations don't have A/C. Instead, chilled water air handling units cool down temps, but the hotter it gets, the less they're able to do. For example, if it's 91° outside, the "chillers" can only reduce heat to 85°. ? Zoom out: Travelers are experiencing longer lag times on Amtrak. As the heat dome formed in June, Amtrak warned riders of delays of up to an hour due to speed restrictions placed on trains. Typically Amtrak trains can travel at a maximum of 150 mph along the Northeast Corridor. But with heat restrictions, they can slow to 100 mph or even 80 mph in extreme temperatures. The intrigue: Two years ago, Amtrak commissioned its first assessment focused on the impacts of climate change in the Northeast corridor. A national study kicked off this year. Between 2006 and 2019, Amtrak lost more than $127 million from over 450 weather disruptions, resulting in an estimated $220 million in projected revenue losses in the coming decade.

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Extreme heat grips East Coast

Tuesday peak heat index forecast from NWS. Credit: Weatherbell.com A stifling, widespread heat wave is ushering in some of the hottest and most perilous temperatures of the summer, especially on the East Coast, Axios' Andrew Freedman reports. ?️ Temperatures were set to soar to 100°F or higher today in D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia, and southward to Florida. ⚠️ The National Weather Service warned of "extremely dangerous and potentially deadly heat," and more than two dozen deaths have already been attributed to the heat in the U.S. so far this summer. Go deeper.

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Heat-related Texas deaths climb after Beryl left millions without power for days or longer

SPRING, Texas (AP) — As the temperature soared in the Houston-area home Janet Jarrett shared with her sister after losing electricity in Hurricane Beryl, she did everything she could to keep her 64-year-old sibling cool.

https://apnews.com/article/houston-power-outages-death-toll-53a403fec3ffdf34daeb8d5e179953ba?

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?️ America's next heat wave

Data: NOAA. Map: Axios Visuals The next big heat wave — expected early next month — is likely to increase conditions for fires in the western U.S. and Canada, Axios extreme weather expert Andrew Freedman writes. The greatest odds for above-average temperatures in early August will be across the West as well as nearby states to the north and east, NOAA predicts. Between the lines: Extreme heat is a key factor that propelled the massive Park Fire in California — the state's seventh-largest on record.

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?️ Mapped: DMV heat wave

By Andrew Freedman and Mimi Montgomery

Data: NOAA. Map: Axios Visuals The next big heat wave is bringing temperatures in the high 90s across the DMV this week. The big picture: The greatest odds for above-average temperatures in early August will be across the West as well as nearby states to the north and east, NOAA predicts. Zoom in: This comes as a drought watch was issued for the D.C. region earlier this week due to unusually dry conditions brought on by this summer's string of record-setting hot days. Despite storms on the way, the significant level of widespread drenching needed to alleviate drought conditions isn't in the forecast, per the Capital Weather Gang. How you can help: Local officials have asked residents to undertake voluntary conservation steps, such as: Taking five-minute or shorter showers. Turning off faucets while brushing teeth. Holding off on washing clothes or dishes until loads are full. More tips

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?️ Mapped: Coast-to-coast heat

Data: NOAA GFS. Map: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals A potentially deadly heat wave is expanding from the Central U.S. to both coasts, Axios extreme weather expert Andrew Freedman writes. Why it matters: The extreme heat will last more than a week in some areas — and cause an uptick in fire risks in the West, where deadly blazes are already burning.

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?️ Heat wave grows

Data: NOAA GFS; Map: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals Nearly 180 million people were under heat warnings and advisories this morning as a potentially deadly heat wave expands from the Midwest toward both coasts, Axios' Andrew Freedman reports. Cities from D.C. to Sacramento could surpass 100°F. The heat is forecast to last the longest in the West, which will also face worsening wildfires and poor air quality as a result of those fires. Go deeper.

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Extreme heat at Colorado airshow sickens about 100 people with 10 hospitalized, officials say

Extreme heat at a Colorado airshow caused about 100 people to seek emergency treatment and sent 10 people to area hospitals on Saturday, officials said.

https://apnews.com/article/colorado-air-show-heat-illness-8474fce2ccf3ea6b0974340f12ff804f?

[bonnie1962]

On 7/27/2023 at 1:32 PM, phkrause said:

US House Democrat holds thirst strike to protest Texas water break law

WASHINGTON, July 25 (Reuters) - Democratic U.S. Representative Greg Casar of Texas held a thirst strike at Congress on Tuesday to protest a new law signed by Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott blocking local ordinances that mandate water breaks for workers.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-house-democrat-holds-thirst-strike-protest-texas-water-break-law-2023-07-25/?

Sounds awful .  Gives the impression that Texas doesn't allow their workers free access to water during working hours.

Good for Greg Casar ,hope the man gets really thirsty trying to prove a non existent point.  Anyone ever heard of OSHA?

Towns and cities were passing their own laws, from town to town, job to job were all different.        If a foreman was not up on the different laws for different jobs, all sorts of fun things could happen. Fines, they could have the job stopped, everything held up. No one is preventing a employee  from drinking water during working hours.  Not necessarily are you given a  10 minute break to drink that water, in addition to your regular morning and afternoon breaks. But there is ready access to water.

That sound nearly do interesting as the evil employer denying water to employees

 

 

Look it up......

Do employers have to provide potable drinking water?

• Under OSHA’s guidelines, all employers must provide potable drinking water for their employees to drink as they work. Not only do employers have to supply water, but that water also has to meet specific standards. OSHA calls water that meets its standards “potable,” meaning that it’s fit for human consumption and is clean.

 

 

 

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?️ Mapped: Hot fall

Data: NOAA. Map: Axios Visuals This fall is likely to feature above-average temperatures across much of the country, Axios' Andrew Freedman writes from a National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center outlook. Why it matters: Weather conditions during the September through November period could clinch records for the warmest year in some cities, while affecting multibillion-dollar industries such as agriculture.

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? One (last) summer scorcher

Forecast high temperatures from the National Weather Service on Wednesday. Image: Pivotal Weather

Sizzling weather in the Midwest will make its way over to D.C. tomorrow for a forecast high of 98. Why it matters: The late summer heat wave may spawn near 100-degree temps east of the Appalachian Mountains. Context: The heat is associated with a strong area of high pressure aloft, also referred to as a heat dome, that is slowly migrating from region to region, bringing scorching temperatures to areas under its influence. The unusually hot air mass for late August already smashed records in the Southern Plains and will focus on the Midwest before shifting Southeast, breaking historic benchmarks along the way. Zoom in: D.C. may see a thunderstorm tomorrow. Lows will remain elevated at 72 overnight. The heat wave will be short-lived, thankfully. Highs dip to 92 on Thursday and 82 by Friday. The weekend will be in the 80s.

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Heat wave grips Midwest, mid-Atlantic

The sun sets behind the Washington Monument on Saturday as the East Coast braces for another summer heat wave. Photo: Kevin Carter/Getty Images About 61 million people are under heat watches and warnings as yet another brutal summer heat wave grips much of the U.S., Axios' Andrew Freedman reports. ☀️ Chicago was expected to see high temperatures today that are 20 degrees higher than average for this time of year. Heat restrictions were in place for the first day of classes in the city's public schools. D.C. will get another blast of heat tomorrow, with highs near 100°. Go deeper.

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100 days of 100°

A billboard in Phoenix shows the temperature at 107° on June 5. The high temperature has been at least 100 every day since. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images The high temperature in Phoenix has been at least 100°F every day for the past 100 days — its hottest summer on record. And another major heat wave is set to choke much of the West and Southwest this week, Axios' Andrew Freedman reports. Temperatures are expected to soar into the 100s to 110s in Phoenix and Las Vegas, with triple-digit heat also affecting much of inland California. ?️ Context: Phoenix is one of the fastest-warming cities in the U.S., and traditionally cool locations are also heating up. Portland, Oregon, where many people don't have air conditioning, will likely see temperatures this week that are 15–20 degrees above average for this time of year. ⚡️ Reality check: Heat waves are becoming more common, intense and longer lasting due to human-caused global warming. Climate change has been found to yield extreme heat events that would have been virtually impossible without today's high levels of greenhouse gases. Go deeper.

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?️ Mapped: Fall gets hotter

Data: Climate Central. Map: Kavya Beheraj/Axios Fall is getting hotter across the continental U.S., Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick and Kavya Beheraj write from a new analysis by Climate Central. Why it matters: Warmer autumns mean more demand for cooling (and thus higher energy use), longer wildfire seasons, big changes for farmers and gardeners, etc. ? By the numbers: Fall temperatures rose 2.5°F on average between 1970 and 2023 across 234 locations analyzed in the report. Reno, Nev., (+7.7°F), El Paso, Texas, (+6.1°F) and Las Vegas (+6.1°F) saw the biggest increases in average fall temperature among U.S. cities.   Fall is getting warmer By Alex Fitzpatrick, Kavya Beheraj and Andrew Keatts   Data: Climate Central; Map: Kavya Beheraj/Axios Fall is getting warmer nationwide, and especially in Southern California, a new analysis finds. Why it matters: Warmer autumns mean more demand for cooling and higher energy use and longer wildfire seasons. Driving the news: Average fall temperatures in San Diego County rose 3.7°F between 1970 and 2023 across 234 locations analyzed in a new Climate Central report. The nonprofit climate research group's analysis is based on average temperatures between September and November of each year. By the numbers: That compares to a nationwide increase of 2.5°F on average during the same period. The southwest region overall clocked some of the biggest increases, while the southeast region did comparitively better, increasing by 2°F or less. Zoom in: Reno (+7.7°F), El Paso (+6.1°F) and Las Vegas (+6.1°F) saw the biggest increases in average fall temperature among U.S. cities. Between the lines: The fall trends are consistent with climate science findings showing how the planet is responding to human-caused increases in greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide. All other seasons are also warming. The latest: We've spent the last week grappling with a record-smashing September heat wave that's impacted the Western U.S. from Phoenix to Seattle, Axios' Andrew Freedman reports. About 14,000 SDG&E customers were without power at some point Sunday — the majority near Spring Valley — but by Monday that had fallen to fewer than 1,000, the Union-Tribune reported. The National Weather Service, though, expects temperatures to begin cooling today, and could settle in with below-average highs by Wednesday. What's next: Expect above-normal temperatures across much of the country this fall, per NOAA's seasonal outlook.