Heat Dome Forecast: 'Dangerous Heat Wave' Further Expands Across Western US After Causing 122 Degrees in Death Valley

A recent heat dome forecast shows that the Western United States will continue to see a spike in temperatures this week, according to meteorologists. A day after the Death Valley region recorded 122 degrees Fahrenheit, a "dangerous heat wave" further expanded across the West. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned heat-related risks are in store for California and its surrounding areas.

As the summer season draws near, heat wave alerts and warnings have been issued by the weather service over the past week. On Friday, June 7, the NWS is also expecting elevated fire weather conditions across the Southwest US, which can also potentially experience thunderstorms. Local weather authorities remind the public against prolonged outdoor exposure to heat-related illnesses.

In recent years, summer heatwaves across North America, particularly in the Western US and Southwest Canada, are notoriously known for causing human fatalities. Previous related cases showed that some of the main causes of death are heat stress and heat stroke. According to health experts, hot temperatures can also amplify underlying illnesses, including cardiovascular disease.

Heat Dome Forecast

In its recent heat dome forecast on Friday, the NWS warned that "dangerously hot conditions" will persist across parts of interior California, the Southwest US, the Great Basin, and south Texas into Saturday, June 8.

Excessive heat warnings and heat advisories remain in effect in the mentioned places, according to the agency's Weather Prediction Center. The forecast was issued after a record-breaking temperature in Death Valley.

Moreover, elevated fire weather conditions also pose a threat to the region where the growth and spread of wildfire can intensify, as observed in previous summer seasons. Last week, the NWS also issued multiple excessive heat warnings for California, Arizona, and Nevada.

The humid and dry conditions across the region is also caused by a recurring drought, which has been observed by scientists. Despite significant rainfall across the region earlier this year, meteorologists say it is not enough to fully quell the megadrought in the Southwest US.

Summer Heatwaves and Deaths

The summer season is popular for beach vacations, picnics, road trips, hiking, and among others. However, illnesses and deaths associated with summer heatwaves are also prevalent during the said time of the year, regardless if it is in the northern or southern hemispheres. During the 2023 summer season, extreme heat has caused heat disorders that even claimed lives, according to the American Lung Association.

Among all the heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat cramps, heat stroke is the most severe and serious. This is because it occurs when the temperature in the body becomes uncontrollable, resulting in failed sweating mechanism and internal cooldown, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stating constant water intake is one of the main life-saving measures during these situations.