Tuesday, July 16, 2024 A blistering heatwave that has been roasting the Western United States since the beginning of July is set to continue well into the third week of the month. Despite a slight decrease in intensity as the core of a heat dome shifts, dangerous triple-digit temperatures will remain common across the region. This heat wave, which has expanded eastward, will also bring elevated fire risks, expanding drought conditions, and increased energy demand.
The heat wave that has been scorching the West United States during the first part of July has now extended eastward but will continue to bake much of the region during the third week of the month. AccuWeather meteorologists warn that while some areas saw a brief respite this past weekend, the oppressive heat is far from over. Salt Lake City, a major metro area over the Great Basin, is forecast to experience near-record highs and triple-digit heat this week.
As temperatures resurge, they are expected to approach record levels by the middle of the week. The practical effects of this prolonged heat wave are manifold. There is an elevated risk of fires due to the dry and hot conditions, expanding droughts as water supplies dwindle, and increased energy demand as people rely more on air conditioning to cope with the heat.
Let’s represent the data in a tabular format to ensure clarity: During the current heatwave in July 2024, temperatures in many of these states are expected to be significantly higher than usual: These elevated temperatures are contributing to increased risks of fires, expanding drought conditions, and heightened energy demands across the Western United States. This heat wave has not only persisted but also expanded its footprint to the east, affecting the central United States. Temperatures in Wichita, Kansas, for example, will come close to levels not seen on July 15 since the Dust Bowl Era of the 1930s.
The central and southern Plains are expected to experience widespread highs in the upper 90s to 100s on Monday afternoon and evening. A front is expected to help cool portions of the Plains by midweek. However, areas west of the Continental Divide will continue to bake and, in some cases, see temperatures rise again.
Salt Lake City is forecast to be near the core of the heat dome this week. Residents should prepare for near-record highs and triple-digit temperatures, which will increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. The long-term heat wave is contributing to an elevated risk of wildfires across the Western United States.
Dry conditions and high temperatures create a perfect storm for fire outbreaks. Additionally, the heat is exacerbating drought conditions, stressing water resources and impacting agriculture. The shift of the heat dome eastward has resulted in heat advisories and excessive heat warnings across the central Plains at the start of this week.
AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures, which consider factors such as humidity, sunshine, and wind, will be several degrees higher than actual thermometer readings, particularly in the Midwest where humidity levels are elevated. On the edges of the heat dome, rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected to cut the heat across the Northeast and Ohio Valley, bringing a risk of torrential rain and damaging winds. More sustained relief will arrive later in the week for the Central states as a cold front sweeps in a cooler and drier air mass from Canada.
This change is expected to begin in the middle of the week, offering some respite from the relentless heat. For heat-weary residents of the interior West, it has been an extremely hot start to July, with numerous records falling due to the massive heat dome. As this dome contracts eastward, a slight break in the heat has arrived, especially across the Northwest.
This relief is expected to expand south into California, according to AccuWeather meteorologists. While the intensity of the heat may wane, temperatures will remain above the historical average into the second half of July. This continued warmth raises the risk for fires and further expands drought conditions.
Residents in affected areas should continue to take precautions to stay safe in the heat. This includes staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, and checking on vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. The Western heat wave shows no signs of abating quickly, with dangerous triple-digit temperatures persisting into the third week of July.
The expansion of the heat dome eastward will challenge temperature records and place additional stress on water resources and energy demand. Residents are urged to stay vigilant, take necessary precautions, and stay informed through reliable weather updates..
