Sweltering temperatures bring misery to large portion of central US, setting heat records

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Sweltering heat continued its grip over a wide stretch of the central United States on Sunday, creating discomfort from the Gulf of Mexico all the way to the Great Lakes.

Record-breaking temperatures were noted in Texas and other states, with individuals advised to drink additional water during outdoor activities such as lawn mowing or exercising and to look out for neighbors to ensure they have access to air conditioning. In response to the heat wave, Texas’ electric power grid manager urged residents to voluntarily conserve electricity for a three-hour period on Sunday night.

Sarah Russell, the commissioner for the St. Louis Emergency Management Agency, emphasized the potential impact on those living alone and the importance of checking on loved ones’ well-being during the intense heat.

The Dallas-Fort Worth region was bracing for temperatures of up to 110 F (43.3 C) on Sunday, having already experienced 108 F (42.2 C) the previous day, according to Sarah Barnes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. These temperatures surpassed the previous record of 107 F (41.7 C) from 2011.

The lack of nighttime cooling in the area was highlighted by Barnes as a significant concern, contributing to an increased risk of heat-related ailments.

On Sunday, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) requested that the state’s 30 million residents reduce power usage between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. CDT due to extreme heat, high demand, and unexpected loss of thermal generation. This marked ERCOT’s second such request in three days, although it stated it was not in emergency operations.

Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change, fueled by fossil fuel consumption, deforestation, and certain agricultural practices, will cause more frequent and extended episodes of extreme weather, such as hotter temperatures.

Heat advisories or warnings were issued for multiple states, including Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska.

In New Orleans, tourist activity often diminishes during the peak summer heat, and this trend is evident as temperatures near 100 F (37.8 C). Local businesses like NOLA Poboys have had to adjust, with one of its chefs expressing a longing for cooler weather.

Other areas, such as Jackson, Mississippi, and Houston, Texas, also recorded extreme temperatures, with Houston reaching a 22-day streak of at least 100 F (37.8 C).

The intense Texas heat led to 38 students being hospitalized for heat-related illnesses at Prairie View A&M University, prompting officials to review procedures.

Iowa’s high temperatures, expected to top 100 F (37.8 C), posed a particular concern for the Iowa State Fair’s final day, leading officials to urge fair-goers to seek out air-conditioned buildings, rest regularly, and keep hydrated.

Forecasts in St. Louis predicted temperatures ranging from 99 F (37.2 C) to 103 F (39.4 C) through the week, with high humidity, resulting in a heat index of up to 115 F (46.1 C) each day. Similar conditions were anticipated in Little Rock, Arkansas, leading to the opening of several cooling centers.

Last month, the Phoenix area endured an unprecedented 31 consecutive days of daily high temperatures of 110 F (43.4 C) or above, breaking the previous record of 18 straight days in 1974. July also saw the continental United States set a record for overnight warmth, providing minimal respite from the daytime heat.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention record between 600 to 700 annual heat deaths in the United States, though inconsistencies in data reporting across counties mean that the true number of fatalities remains unclear.

Report contributors include Jim Salter in St. Louis, Jackie Quinn in Washington, and Emily Wagster Pettus in Jackson, Mississippi. More on climate and environmental issues can be found at Big Big News’ climate and environment section.

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More about fokus keyword Sweltering temperatures

• National Weather Service
• Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Heat-Related Illnesses
• Big Big News’ climate and environment section