A dangerous heatwave is set to intensify across the Southwest and Western Coast of the United States starting September 5, 2024, with forecasts predicting temperatures soaring as high as 48.9 °C (115 °F) in some areas. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple warnings for heat-related illnesses as record-breaking highs are expected in the Pacific Northwest.
On September 3, 2024, Phoenix shattered its previous heat record after enduring 100 consecutive days of temperatures above 37.8 °C (100 °F). The relentless heat, which began on May 27, continues to wreak havoc across the region, contributing to a surge in heat-related deaths and posing significant risks to vulnerable populations.
South Australia has set new winter temperature records for two consecutive days, with Oodnadatta reaching an unprecedented 39.4 °C (102.9 °F) on Saturday, August 24, 2024, surpassing the previous record of 38.5 °C (101.3 °F) set Friday, August 23.
Canada experienced a week of extraordinary weather, breaking multiple records for heat and rainfall across the country. A unique atmospheric pattern, known as a Rex block, caused temperatures to soar in the Arctic Circle, while remnants of Hurricane “Debby” brought torrential rains to Eastern Canada.
Japan has recorded its hottest July ever, with an average temperature of 26.2 °C (79.2 °F), according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
The National Weather Service has forecasted hazardous heat spreading from the Plains through the Mississippi Valley to the Southeast starting this week and continuing into the next. High temperatures combined with high humidity are expected to produce dangerously high heat indices, potentially exceeding 43.3 °C (110 °F).
Southern and eastern Europe have endured a prolonged heatwave since early July, with temperatures forecast to remain high for at least another two weeks. The most intense heat was felt across the Balkan Peninsula and eastern Europe, where daily temperatures exceeded 40 °C (104 °F) in many areas. The Mediterranean Sea has also seen unprecedented warmth, with water temperatures reaching 30 °C (86 °F) in some areas.
Denver broke the 146-year-old record for the hottest July 14 after hitting 38.3 °C (101 °F) at 12:56 local time (LT) on July 14, 2024. Just two days before that, it had also broken the record for the highest recorded temperature for July 12.
The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts temperatures to hit the upper 30s °C (90s °F) to mid-40s °C (110s °F) and up to nearly 50s °C (120s °F) in parts of California, Arizona, and Nevada, according to the latest advisory issued on July 11, 2024, forecasting multiple high-temperature records through July 13.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued extreme heat warnings on July 7, 2024, after parts of Japan broke record heat levels. On the same day, Shizuoka touched 40 °C (104 °F), marking its highest recorded temperature since records began in 1940. The heatwave has led to four deaths and over 2 000 hospitalizations.
