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Approximately one-third of the American population, equating to more than 100 million people, found themselves at the mercy of US extreme heat advisories this weekend. With a fresh week looming, it seems the mercury will continue its upward trend, setting new records in the process.

Coast to Coast US Extreme Heat Advisories

Heat advisories were not restricted to a particular region but stretched across the nation. The south-west and some western parts were particularly affected, with Arizona, California, and Nevada bracing for even harsher conditions.

The National Weather Service (NWS) urged residents to pay heed to the US extreme heat, suggesting it could be "potentially deadly to anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration".

Outdoor activities were discouraged, with the public being urged to seek shade and hydrate. Extended hours for cooling centers were implemented in various cities, and emergency rooms prepared for an influx of individuals suffering from heat-related illnesses.

Record-Breaking Heat in Phoenix, Arizona

In Phoenix, Arizona, Sunday's forecast predicted a blistering 118°F (47.7°C), marking the city's 17th consecutive day with temperatures soaring over 110°F (43.3°C). Phoenix seems poised to shatter its own record of 18 days, set back in 1974, by Tuesday.

The US extreme heat has already claimed lives in Phoenix, with the Maricopa County Health Department reporting 12 heat-related deaths in 2023, and another 55 deaths under investigation.

The NWS Phoenix took to Twitter on Sunday, warning, "Record heat continues across the region today and through most of this upcoming week". Alongside this warning, they shared essential safety tips such as keeping well-hydrated and checking on vulnerable family members and neighbors.

Vulnerable Populations at Risk Amidst US Extreme Heat

David Hondula, Phoenix's Chief Heat Officer, warned ahead of the weekend about the escalating situation, "This weekend there will be some of the most serious and hot conditions we’ve ever seen".

Hondula mentioned that the Brian Garcia Welcome Center, a refuge for homeless individuals in downtown Phoenix, planned to remain open 24 hours, directing people to shelters and other air-conditioned spaces.

However, the shortage of nighttime cooling centers has been a point of concern, leading to criticism from advocates for the homeless.

The Deadly Impact of US Extreme Heat

Highlighting the dangers of the US extreme heat, police officers in the Phoenix suburb of Surprise shared an incident involving two elderly women suffering in their home with temperatures reaching 114°F (45.5°C). The pair was reliant on a small, overworked air-conditioning unit, which failed to cool most of the house adequately.

Following the women's evacuation to a senior center, the department's community services team intervened, providing and installing an adequate air conditioner and fans in the residence.

As America grapples with this US extreme heat wave, it's a stark reminder of the lethal potential of extreme weather events, and the need for appropriate response mechanisms to ensure the well-being of vulnerable populations.