California heatwave: California, Arizona gripped by major heatwave as western parts of United States witness record high temperatures
The mercury was expected to reach 107F (41.6C) over the weekend, surpassing previous high temperatures recorded in March. An extreme heat warning was in place for parts of Southern California and Arizona, and forecasters warned of dangerous impacts on local populations.
“We’re seeing much warmer temperatures than normal,” National Weather Service meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld told AFP.
“This is also the first major heat wave this year… coming on the heels of cooler temperatures. So the population hasn’t gotten used to those temperatures yet,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld.
While Schoenfeld says anyone who spends time outdoors is at risk of heat stroke, experts warn people to seek air-conditioned rooms and drink plenty of fluids.
The last 11 years have been the hottest in the planet’s recorded history.
Scientists say there is overwhelming evidence that the heat waves hitting the western United States are a clear indicator of global warming, a process caused primarily by humanity’s uncontrolled burning of fossil fuels. Temperatures in parts of Southern California were 35F (20C) warmer than normal for this time of year, Schoenfeld said.
“We will probably continue to break daily calendar day records as well as all-time records in some regions,” he said.
While it was technically still winter in the northern hemisphere until March 20, the first day of astronomical spring, rising temperatures were harming wildlife.
Many plants and trees are already blooming and the vegetation is growing at a spectacular pace, thanks to the heavy rains in December and January.
Terry Salas, who was in Los Angeles on Thursday, told AFP that the climate in the United States in recent weeks has been crazy.
“This is a very unusual situation. We’re still in winter,” he said. “But this is global warming. The East Coast is just hurricanes and snow, and here we are, sizzling. We’re experiencing summer temperatures we’ve never experienced in March,” Rose Schoenfeld said.
