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  • Writer's pictureMeteorologist Beth Carpenter

Nature's Deadliest Weather Threat Strikes Again

A Record July

July got off to a record start, with many climate districts in the southwestern United States ranking hottest out of the last 132 years. Rankings take into account the average of the daily high and low temperature- not just the extreme afternoon highs.



The Forecast

The extreme heat was very well forecasted by the National Weather Service (NWS) several days in advance. Over 70 million people were placed under Extreme Heat Watches or Warnings ahead of the event. The official forecast called for an afternoon high temperature of 130 degrees on July 9th, and actual temperatures reached 129 degrees. Even the "low" temperature remained above 90!


The new NWS HeatRisk forecast map called for multiple days of widespread "Major" (red) and "Extreme" (purple) heat, which takes into account the following factors:

  • How unusually above normal the temperatures will be

  • The time of year

  • The duration of the extreme heat, including daytime and overnight temperatures

  • Expected heat-related impacts



The world-record hottest temperature ever measured is 134 degrees Fahrenheit in Death Valley, California, set July 10,1913. Since then, several locations across the globe have climbed into the 120s but have not broken that more than century-old record.


The Impact

At least 21 all-time high temperature records were broken, with another 38 tied just between July 1-5, 2024. Record heat continued for another week past that period as well.



Extreme Heat, the #1 Weather-Related Killer

Extreme heat kills more people each year in the United States and across the world than any other weather-related event. That is nearly DOUBLE the the deaths of the second place event- flooding. So far in 2024, 38 heat-related deaths have been confirmed. The number is likely to climb as more information is processed from last week's extreme heat event.



Extreme Heat Preparedness

It is vital to prepare for a period of extreme heat BEFORE it arrives. To do this, you can:

  • Stay hydrated

  • Gather emergency supplies

  • Identify cooling shelters in case of loss of power/air conditioning

  • Stay indoors

  • Cover windows with drapes or shades

  • Never leave pets or children in vehicles

  • Avoid high-energy activities or working outdoors

  • Avoid eating large meals

  • Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke

  • Check on family members and neighbors



 

Stay ahead of extreme heat with location-based alerts and daily forecasts in the new TDS Weather mobile app! Download it for FREE from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store now!




 

Thermodynamic Solutions (“TDS Weather”) provides professional weather consulting services to a variety of industries including: professional and minor league sports, snow removal and landscaping, golf courses and turf management, colleges and universities, and hospital networks. With nearly two decades of living and forecasting in the Ohio Valley region, our meteorologists provide custom, reliable forecasts that help clients SAVE and MAKE money in their daily operations. Our services include commercial and agricultural forecasting in the short and long ranges, lightning alerts and on-site hazardous weather monitoring, 24/7 on-call decision support services, forensic weather reporting, and more! For weather consulting inquiries, please contact us at info@tdsweather.com.



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