The summer forecast shows the United States might endure some of its hottest temperatures yet, as several states are likely to experience heat waves from June to August. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), along with state climate centers, predicts that the next few months will have temperatures that could overload emergency systems, health services, and infrastructure in some areas.
Southern States in the Crosshairs
At this point, Texas, Arizona, Florida, and California are seeing some of the most problems. The Climate Center at Texas A&M believes that agricultural output in Texas could fall by as much as 18% this summer, which is concerning for the nation’s leading food producer. A lack of staff has become a problem for the National Weather Service, among other federal agencies, due to recent budget reductions. Moonshine-like heat struck Houston last month, making temperatures higher than Death Valley and setting a new record.
Authorities in Arizona are watching the situation closely. A daily high of over 115°F is likely in several regions of Arizona, according to the Arizona Department of Water Resources. Hospitals in Phoenix and Tucson expect they will handle 25% more cases of heat-related illnesses and admissions. At the same time, officials want residents to limit their time outdoors, drink enough water, and make sure vulnerable members of their community are not alone.
Drought and Wildfire Risks Add to the Crisis
Record heat is not the only problem, as much of the eastern and southeastern United States is facing more severe droughts. A shortage of spring rainfall in the Rockies and Sierra Nevada has made snow melt faster, raising the fire hazard in California, Nevada, and Colorado. According to The Guardian, some parts of Minnesota and the mid-Atlantic are already dealing with wildfires and conditions that should appear weeks later.
The combined challenges of heat, drought, and fire are now distressing emergency teams and testing how well communities can handle such issues. The National Guard was quickly brought in to help fight wildfires in Minnesota, and water restrictions have been enforced in several areas of Florida.
Cuts to Federal Agencies Raise Alarms
Experts fear that continuous budget and staff reductions to federal science and disaster agencies could weaken how America fights disasters. The new leadership of NOAA climate programs and the cuts to NOAA funding have resulted in Houston’s major weather center lacking a permanent staff leader.
With real-time information and local warnings now more important than ever, losing forecasting capacity is a big issue. Professionals in public health consider extreme heat to be a “hidden danger,” since it negatively affects our cognitive abilities, sleep, career, and daily activities.
Cities and Communities Take Action
Due to the federal government’s inaction, several cities and states are now taking action. In Arizona, California, and Texas, township leaders are working on programs for cooling centers, trees to help cool the air, and building laws to support residents against heatwaves. Yet, even cities that have strong adaptation programs, such as Austin, recognize that there is not enough money to make them effective.
While the expected heat next year reminds us of this, both support and being well-prepared will help us face the effects of climate change. As summer begins, millions of Americans could end up endangered by the heat and by the stressed systems designed to handle it.
