Heatwave in the United States: Records broken in the north and west of the country

A dangerous heatwave is gripping the western United States and northern plains, shattering historical temperature records. Salt Lake City, Utah, and Billings, Montana, both recorded highs of 109 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) on Sunday, according to preliminary data from the National Weather Service (NWS).

These temperatures exceed previous records for these cities, which had stood for over 150 years at 107°F (42°C) and 108°F (42°C) respectively. The NWS warned that this "dangerous heatwave" is forecast to continue, reaching its peak intensity by Tuesday.

While a majority of U.S. buildings are equipped with air conditioning, heatwaves remain a significant cause of death, surpassing fatalities from hurricanes and floods. The extreme heat poses serious health risks, particularly for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. It also complicates efforts to combat the extensive wildfires currently raging in Colorado and Utah.

This event follows a previous heatwave that affected the eastern U.S. in early July, pushing temperatures in cities like New York and Philadelphia towards 104°F (40°C). The intensification and increased frequency of such heatwaves globally are linked to climate change, driven primarily by the burning of fossil fuels.