Heatwave hits southern US with records and temperatures up to 46 degrees

An intense heatwave is currently gripping the southern United States, placing over 70 million people under alerts. The phenomenon is particularly affecting Florida and states bordering Mexico, with temperatures soaring and heat indices reaching up to 46 degrees Celsius (115°F), according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

This mid-summer heatwave has already shattered or matched temperature records for this period in numerous cities. Locations such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Florida, Laredo and Borger in Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia, have experienced unprecedented heat. The NWS forecasts that maximum temperatures will continue to hover near 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) with a heat index of 46 degrees Celsius (115°F) in the affected southern and southeastern regions.

The extreme heat is now shifting towards the southwestern United States, with areas like Nevada, Arizona, and California bracing for rising temperatures. The NWS has issued extreme heat warnings for these regions, urging residents to follow safety guidelines. These include minimizing time spent outdoors, ensuring access to air conditioning or cooling centers, and closely monitoring vulnerable individuals.

This summer has seen above-average temperatures and frequent heatwaves across the U.S. July marked the hottest month on record for the country, with average temperatures nearing 25 degrees Celsius (77°F) in the contiguous U.S. The prolonged high temperatures and dry conditions have also contributed to an increase in wildfires, with nearly three million hectares burned so far this year, the highest figure in a decade.

“

Se aconseja a los residentes seguir las recomendaciones de seguridad ante el calor limitando la actividad al aire libre, manteniéndose hidratados, asegurando el acceso a aire acondicionado o centros de enfriamiento, y monitoreando a amigos, vecinos y familiares vulnerables.