Many regions in the US are grappling with a heat wave. Cities are now taking precautions to protect people from the extreme temperatures.
Portland – The United States is grappling with a severe heat wave. Especially in Oregon, the temperatures are rising higher than ever: On Saturday (June 26th, 2021) temperatures up to 42.2 degrees Celsius were registered. The previous record for Oregon was 41.7 degrees. Seattle also reported high temperatures of up to 38.3 degrees for the same day – Saturday is the hottest June day since weather records began. Since the regions are usually used to mild weather, the hot temperatures are very dangerous.
According to a Guardian report, many people in the affected areas do not have air conditioning, so they cannot protect themselves well from the unusually hot weather. Portable air conditioners and fans sold out in stores after a short time. Agriculture is also suffering from the heat wave.
Heat wave in the USA: Cities set up cooling centers
Farmers were forced to collect their crops earlier than planned, before they would rot due to the high temperatures. Fischer: Inside, I’m working flat out to protect the endangered sockeye salmon from warm river water. In addition, some clinics had to dismantle their outdoor vaccination stations, as it was almost impossible to be outside in the temperature. To protect those who do not have air conditioning, some cities have set up cooling centers.
Dr. Oregon Health Officer Jennifer Vines urged residents to accept the offer from the cooling centers. She warned that the heat wave could be “life threatening”. Washington Governor Jay Inslee even lifted corona restrictions on cooling centers in the face of the heat. The restrictions have also been adjusted accordingly in Oregon.
Heat wave in the USA: high temperatures may be just a foretaste
Governor Kate Brown suspended the capacity limits for places with air conditioning – such as cinemas and shopping centers as well as swimming pools before the nationwide reopening on Wednesday (30.06.2021). Since the World Athletics Championships is currently taking place in Eugene, Oregon, the games had to be postponed to earlier times so that they are not exposed to the blazing midday heat. Citizens also need to prepare for restrictions on public transport and power outages.
In the next few days, the scorching heat and corresponding wind could cause fires. Kristie Ebi, a professor at Washington University, warned that this was just a foretaste. Due to global warming, further increases in temperatures must be expected in the future. (Teresa Toth)
In addition to Oregon and Washington, Texas and California are also affected by extremely high temperatures. But that should only be the beginning of this year’s heat wave.
List of rubric lists: © XinHua / dpa
