A heat wave is expected to set record high temperatures in parts of the West Coast this week, bringing sizzling days and wildfire risks to millions.
Parts of Oregon, California, and Washington are expected to see temperatures near 100°F, with heat warnings in effect until Wednesday evening. “This heat will be dangerous, posing a threat to anyone without effective cooling and adequate hydration,” the National Weather Service (NWS) wrote in a forecast discussion on Monday.
The agency warned that extreme heat poses a danger in the evening as well, as temperatures are expected to remain above average overnight. As of Monday morning, nearly 8 million Americans were under heat alerts, according to the National Integrated Heat Health Information System.
“For many areas, there will be little nighttime relief from the extreme heat, with overnight lows remaining well above normal,” the NWS said. “Extreme heat is dangerous even at night when temperatures do not cool down.”
Read More: How to Know When the Heat Is Getting Dangerous
The high temperatures, coupled with dry conditions, are also expected to increase wildfire risk across the West, where wildfires are already burning. Napa County, Calif.’s Pickett Fire has burned over 6,800 acres since it began last Thursday, and was only 13% contained as of Monday morning. In central Oregon, the Flat fire has burned through nearly 22,000 acres since Thursday.
This summer has brought a string of record-breaking heat waves. In June, more than 255 million Americans saw dangerous, triple digit temperatures when a heat dome settled over much of the United States. In Spain, a heat wave that lasted from Aug. 3 to 18 was found to be “the most intense on record,” according to the country’s meteorological agency. The heat spurned wildfires that continue to blaze, and has been linked to more than 1,000 deaths.
The NWS warns individuals in the affected areas this week to limit outdoor activity when temperatures rise, and to stay hydrated and ensure access to methods of cooling.
Read More: What To Do If You See Someone Suffering From Heat Exhaustion
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the advisory said.
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