Western US Heatwave Pushes 117-Degree Highs as Phoenix Records 18 Heat-Related Deaths
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jul 9
Western US Heatwave Pushes 117-Degree Highs as Phoenix Records 18 Heat-Related Deaths
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jul 9
Summary
117-degree highs are forecast for Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley on Thursday and Friday, with Phoenix expected to reach 115 degrees after three straight 113-degree days.
Millions across Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas and Florida remain under heat warnings or advisories through Friday night, while watches already extend into Colorado, Montana and the Dakotas for the weekend.
Phoenix has logged 18 heat-related deaths so far this year, up from five at this point last year, and firefighters say they have answered about 400 heat calls since May 1.
Heat has already closed Phoenix-area hiking trails, and forecasters also issued fire weather alerts as dry thunderstorms, low humidity and lightning raise wildfire risks.
113-to-116-degree heat indices are also expected across the Carolinas and Georgia, showing the dangerous heat spreading well beyond the desert Southwest.