Pacific Northwest Braces For Another Heat Wave


Less than two months after extreme heat was linked to deaths about 100 people The record-breaking region in the Pacific Northwest was preparing for dangerous heatwave conditions once again on Wednesday.

In Seattle, which will be on temperature extremes from Wednesday afternoon until Saturday evening, authorities are opening cooling stations, putting crews on hold to deal with buckling paths, and preparing to spray cold water on bridges to prevent breakdowns.

Temperatures in Seattle on Friday are expected to reach the mid-90s, according to the National Weather Service. While these predicted highs are shorter than the record-breaking temperature at the end of June, when temperatures reach 108 degreesThey’re still well above normal August high temperatures in the mid-70s.

“This heatwave is not as hot as it was in late June,” the Weather Service said. guess. “But that doesn’t mean we can lower our guard, as temperatures near 100 in the 90s are still important to our region and potentially on record setting. The effects will be greatest on our most vulnerable populations.”

The Weather Service urged residents to stay hydrated, stay out of the sun, and postpone strenuous activities until the early morning or evening when possible.

Here’s Seattle’s heat warning: More than 150 million people in the United States face similar watches and alertsAbove-normal temperatures are expected in the Great Lakes, Plains, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. New York will be under extreme heat warning on Thursday. heat index valuesHumidity is expected to climb to the 100s, a measure of how it feels outside.

In Portland, Ore., where temperatures are expected to exceed 100 degrees on Thursday and Friday, Mayor Ted Wheeler declared a state of emergency to use public buildings as cooling centers and prepare other resources to face the heat.

“This emergency statement highlights the fact that climate change is moving closer to home and is wreaking havoc on Portlanders,” said Mr Wheeler. a statement on Tuesday. “The time to take the climate crisis seriously was years ago. These extreme heat events require everyone’s attention and immediate action.”

in Seattle, where many residents do not have air conditioning in their homesCity officials are working this week to ensure that cooling stations are opened throughout the city’s libraries, entertainment centers and other facilities, Mayor Jenny A. Durkan’s office said in a statement.

The mayor’s office said Seattle is preparing for possible impacts on the city’s infrastructure, including power systems, water systems, roads and bridges. Teams affiliated with the city’s Department of Transportation will be on standby if rising temperatures in the Pacific Northwest during the heatwave in late June cause pavement to widen and roads to bend.

Durkan’s office also said that from Wednesday the city plans to spray water on bridges to prevent the moving steel parts from expanding and jamming.

“Passengers should plan short closures of similar length to regular drawbridge spans,” the mayor’s office said.

The Seattle Department of Transportation plans to continue spraying bridges until temperatures drop below 85 degrees.

Seattle officials said they’re monitoring air quality levels this week alongside the heatwave. Wildfires in California send huge clouds of smoke All the way to Denver, over 1,000 miles away.



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