(TLP:CLEAR) Dangerous, Record-Breaking Heat Continuing across Central and Eastern U.S.

Summary: A large part of the U.S., from the Midwest into the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, is experiencing a prolonged and dangerous heat wave, which is expected to continue through the weekend. The heat wave is bringing high temperatures in the mid-90s to mid-100s that, when combined with dew points in the 70s, will produce heat index values upwards of 115. Numerous daily temperature records may be tied or broken in many places. Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories are in effect across portions of the Mississippi Valley, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Northeast, where there is an increased risk of heat-related illness.

Analyst Note: As WaterISAC has previously advised, extreme heat has been the greatest weather-related cause of death in the U.S. for the past 30 years. Water and wastewater utilities should be mindful of the potential for heat-related illnesses among their workers, especially for field crews and anyone else working outside for extended periods. Additionally, extreme heat can adversely affect infrastructure, potentially requiring additional resources to maintain services. This situation may be exacerbated by the increasing strain put on electric grids due to growing numbers of data centers. During periods of extreme temperature, electric grids are already stressed by high demand, to the extent that many power companies ask customers to conserve energy to avoid rolling blackouts.

To help utilities protect their workers and adapt their infrastructure for extreme temperatures, WaterISAC recommends members review resources like the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) and Water Utility Climate Alliance (WUCA) report “It’s Hot and Getting Hotter: Implications of Extreme Heat on Water Utility Staff and Infrastructure and Ideas for Adapting.” The American Planning Association’s “Planning for Urban Heat Resilience” report presents numerous options to manage urban heat islands. Heat.gov, a NOAA website unveiled in 2022 also provides the public and decision-makers with information to understand and reduce the health risks of extreme heat.

In addition to lessons learned and best practices from their U.S. peers and partners, there’s a body of knowledge from Europe, which is also experiencing a significant heat wave. Grist recently published an article about some of these measures, which include France’s national heat plan that consists of a four-tiered alert system. When temperatures rise and trigger the highest alert level, authorities establish a crisis center to coordinate a national response. Local officials are required to implement their heat plans, which include providing access to cool spaces, ensuring access to water, and checking in on heat-vulnerable residents. Also related to Europe’s heat wave, researchers published findings indicating it is being fueled by climate change, as other studies have done for past periods of extreme heat in North America.

Additional Reading:

• National Weather Service
• Straight Arrow News: Dangerous heat wave hits the US with highs exceeding 100 degrees
• The New York Times: Is Climate Change Fueling Europe’s Heat Wave? Yes, Researchers Say.

Mitigation Recommendations:

• AMWA and WUCA: “It’s Hot and Getting Hotter: Implications of Extreme Heat on Water Utility Staff and Infrastructure and Ideas for Adapting”
• APA: “Planning for Urban Heat Resilience”
• Heat.gov

Related WaterISAC PIRs: 16, 17, & 18