US weather expert warns of record temperatures: a silent killer

A severe heat wave swept across the central and eastern United States, with several cities recording their highest temperatures in decades, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Experts are warning that this heatwave could turn into a deadly weather event, calling it a “silent killer.”

Kristie Ebi, a public health scientist at the University of Washington who contributed to a United Nations special report on extreme weather, told PBS that in recent years the heat “seems to be coming faster and more severely than expected “.

Thermal dome effect

The heat wave hitting much of the United States is caused by what meteorologists call a “heat dome.” This phenomenon involves a high-pressure system in the atmosphere that causes warm air to flow and compress, causing temperatures at ground level to rise.

Affected areas

About 80 million people in the United States are experiencing sweltering conditions, with heat advisories or excessive heat warnings in place. Residents are urged to take precautions, stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to heat.

The heat wave is affecting areas from Ohio to Maine, including Boston, Cleveland, Buffalo and Caribou. This prolonged heat wave will continue to ravage the Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions through the weekend.

Record temperatures

The NWS said the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Northeast would be hardest hit this week, with record temperatures possible. Chicago broke its June 17 temperature record on Monday, reaching 97 degrees F (36.1 degrees C), slightly above the 1957 record of 96 degrees F (35.6 degrees C). Other cities facing extreme heat include New York, Philadelphia and Washington.

Syracuse recently reached 94 degrees F (34.4 degrees C), breaking a record from 1994. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said it was a “life-threatening event” that “is likely to cause more deaths.” She activated the state’s emergency operations center to deal with the extreme temperatures, which are expected to persist through the weekend, according to Reuters.

Projected deaths

In 2023, more than 2,300 people will die in the United States from excessive heat, the highest number in 45 years, AP reported. However, heat conditions are already worse in 2024 in the United States, leading experts to believe the numbers could be even higher this year.

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