Temperature Expected To Reach 131 Degrees In Death Valley, Highest Ever Recorded On Earth

One week after the hottest week on Earth was recorded, temperatures are expected to rise even higher in the Southwest.

Last week, the global average temperature reached a record high on Tuesday, and scientists forecasted even higher for the oncoming weeks. They were right, and now states in the Southwest have been issued excessive heat warnings, with emphasis on cities like Phoenix, Arizona, Las Vegas, Nevada and Palm Springs, California.

Phoenix, known as the Valley of the Sun, has had temperatures of at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.33 degrees Celsius) in the past week, with the following week not looking any better. In Las Vegas, the highest temperature ever recorded was 117 degrees Fahrenheit (47.22 degrees Celsius) in 2021, and this weekend is expected to reach that record. The Nevada oasis has only reached that temperature five times before.

Southern California is experiencing much hotter temperatures, though, as Palm Springs residents anticipate high heat of up to 121 degrees Fahrenheit (49.44 degrees Celsius) this weekend.

As hot as it is in Palm Springs, Death Valley has it much worse. Known to be the hottest place on the planet during the summer, Death Valley includes a forecast of a scorching 131 degrees Fahrenheit (54.88 degrees Celsius) on Sunday, with the previous day being only two degrees cooler.

While forest fires have always been a risk Californians face, the heat wave is causing an elevated risk for wildfires in the Golden State, as well as in Utah and Arizona.

Over 113 million people in the U.S. are under extreme heat advisories, watches and warnings, according to the National Weather Service. Those most at risk during the current long-standing heat wave are older adults, children and pregnant women, individuals with medical conditions, outdoor workers, the unsheltered and pets.

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During a heat wave, one should stay hydrated and cool by drinking plenty of fluids and replacing salt and minerals with snacks or a sports drink, according to the American Red Cross. They also advise limiting outdoor activity, as well as wearing light clothing and staying inside where it’s cool as often as possible.

Forecasters say the current heatwave could last two more weeks, maybe even longer.