Fires are raging, water is running out and record temperatures are now expected again in the western United States: The National Weather Service has issued appropriate warnings.
Los Angeles – Extreme heat is expected again this weekend in the western US states. The National Weather Service issued appropriate warnings for more than 30 million people.
In large parts of California and Nevada, the highest warning level applies: because of the persistent heat and the lack of cooling at night, not only the elderly or the sick, but the entire population are at risk. Extreme heat is also expected in Utah and Arizona.
50 degrees expected in Death Valley
In Death Valley, California, notorious for its incredible heat, temperatures could rise to more than 50 degrees Celsius. The highest temperature ever measured there was 56.7 degrees. This value will probably not be reached this time. It could also get particularly hot in Las Vegas and Sacramento.
Just last week, a heat wave in the northwestern United States and western Canada with temperatures of almost 50 degrees claimed hundreds of lives. In the Canadian community of Lytton, around 260 kilometers northeast of Vancouver, 49.6 degrees had been measured – previously the record in Canada was 45 degrees. A few days later, the village was almost completely destroyed in an inferno.
Californians called on to save water
Due to increasing drought and rising temperatures, California Governor Gavin Newsom has called on residents of the most populous US state to save water.
People should voluntarily consume 15 percent less water compared to last year, he said on Thursday (local time) at a press conference. The appeal is directed not only to the population in general, but also to industry and agriculture.
Citizens should take shorter showers, water the lawn less frequently and repair any leaks in pipes. It’s about “common sense,” stressed Newsom. At the same time, the Democratic politician announced that the drought emergency declared in April would be expanded by 9 more to 50 of California’s 58 districts. This corresponds to about 42 percent of the state’s population.
Scientists see climate change as the cause
Precipitation and snow cover in the mountains, which usually fill the water reservoirs, are already at a critically low level. According to scientists, climate change is also exacerbating drought, heat and extreme weather conditions, which can contribute to more violent forest fires.
The fire department is currently fighting several fires in California. Fire protection authorities Calfire reported that a fire destroyed a building near the Redwood Valley in the Mendocino district. Several residents had to temporarily leave their homes. By Thursday evening, the fire had been brought under control to 75 percent. dpa
