Dangerous US heatwave looms over 4 July holiday, World Cup and Swift wedding
America’s northern neighbor, Canada, is also experiencing extreme temperatures this week; Temperatures up to 99F are on the horizon in Ontario.
These high temperatures strained organizers who held a public World Cup viewing party in Toronto for the Portugal-Croatia match.
Heat warnings are also in place across much of Quebec, including Montreal and Quebec City.
Forecasters say high humidity levels will make conditions even more muggy, with heat index values reaching 115F in the coming days. Heat index is how temperature feels on the human body when relative humidity is combined with air temperature.
Heat is building under a persistent area of high pressure, also known as a “heat dome,” over the central and eastern parts of the United States.
In addition to strong sunlight, dry soil also concentrates heat; The northeast coast experienced drought this year. When there is no soil moisture to evaporate, solar energy goes entirely to baking the ground, thus increasing temperatures.
Due to human-induced climate change, heat waves are becoming more frequent, more intense and last longer. The world has warmed by about 1.1 degrees since the start of the industrial age, and temperatures will continue to rise unless governments around the world make drastic cuts in emissions.
Temperatures in the Northeast will drop a few degrees on July 4th, with the threat of severe storms. Temperatures will still be well above average, but there will be a more significant drop on Sunday and Monday as colder air moves down from the north.
