Millions of Americans issued safety warning

Millions of people across the United States have been issued safety warnings amid concerns over very high temperatures.

Extreme heat warnings and advisories have been issued for parts of California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Minnesota, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire on Tuesday.

In parts of the Grand Canyon, temperatures could reach up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and all physical activity is discouraged between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Why It Matters

The NWS warned that in areas of extreme heat most individuals will be at risk of heat-related illnesses without effective cooling or hydration.

“Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” it said.

“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”

What To Know

In Arizona, an extreme heat warning is in effect until 7 p.m. around Grand Canyon Village, with the temperature forecast to reach 110 degrees at Phantom Ranch.

A heat advisory is in effect for a large portion of central California, covering Bakersfield, Hanford, Selma, Fresno, Merced and Delano. Advisories are also in force in the far north-west and northeast portions of the state. Temperatures are set to reach 105 degrees in parts.

In Oregon, a heat advisory is in force across a large western column of the state, covering major urban areas, including Portland, Salem, Albany and Eugene. Temperatures are forecast to reach 100 degrees.

Elsewhere, temperatures are forecast to reach highs of 106 degrees across swathes of northwest Nevada, and the low 90s across parts of Washington state, including Seattle.

In much of southern New England, heat index values are expected to each 100 degrees, including urban areas such as Providence, Boston, Hartford, Manchester, Newport and Plymouth.

In the South, portions of the Florida’s Big Bend and Panhandle, and southwest Georgia could see heat index values of 108. Meanwhile, southeast Arkansas, western Mississippi, and eastern Louisiana could see heat index values of up to 110.

What People Are Saying

The NWS forecast office in Elko, Nevada, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday: “High temperatures across Northern and Central Nevada this afternoon will be around five degrees above normal for this time of year. This will result in a moderate risk for heat-related illnesses. Heat-sensitive groups may need assistance to avoid heat-related illnesses.”

The NWS forecast office in Boston wrote on X: “Heat and humidity will increase today, peaking on Wednesday, but lasting into Thursday… Potential impacts: prolonged exposure to high heat and humidity could cause heat illnesses.”

The NWS forecast office in Jackson, Mississippi, wrote on X: “Good morning! Hot and humid conditions will continue today. High temps are expected to be in the mid to upper 90s with heat indices between 105-110 degrees.”

What Happens Next

The extreme heat warning in Arizona is set to remain in force until 7 p.m.

The other heat advisories will remain in effect throughout Tuesday, with some continuing into Wednesday and Thursday.

Regular forecast updates are issued by the NWS on its website.