Scorching Weather Envelops the Western U.S. and Poses Health Risks

• Temperatures in the U.S. are reaching unprecedented levels, posing health risks to the population.
• The distance running event in Portland has been affected by the heat.
• A record temperature in Portland may surpass an 80-year-old record.

Residents of the western states of the U.S. are suffering from a heat wave that has already been declared a heat emergency by some officials. The temperature is expected to remain dangerously high throughout the weekend in Washington, Oregon, Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona.

Approximately 1.2 million people were under a heat advisory on Saturday, as temperatures in the Tucson, Arizona area are expected to reach levels between 102-107 degrees Fahrenheit (39-42 degrees Celsius). Areas under advisory include regions of inland Southern California.

Another 18.6 million people fall under the category of extreme heat risk, which affects workers and those who lack regular air conditioning and cooling.

In Portland, Oregon, a record temperature was set for August 22, according to previous data. Distance runners participating in the "Hood to Coast" relay faced challenges due to the heat. One of the participants, David Loftus, lost consciousness after running 4 miles (6.4 km) and was hospitalized.

Loftus does not remember the moment of fainting, but his friends reported that it happened suddenly after he passed the relay exchange. When he arrived at the tent, he noticed the rapid onset of fatigue. Although he attempted to cool down, it was not enough, and he spent the night under medical supervision.

The previous record high of 102 degrees in Portland, which was confirmed, surpassed the previous record of 98 degrees (36.7 degrees Celsius), set in 1942.

In June 2021, temperatures in this region reached 116 degrees (46 degrees Celsius), which resulted in over 100 deaths, most of whom were people over 60 years old, with the youngest victim being 37 years old.

Tags: USA/Weather