South and West Persist Under Dangerous Heat Wave.

Phoenix experienced its 18th consecutive day with temperatures at or above 110 degrees, matching a record from 1974, as a relentless heat wave continues to scorch the region. The high temperatures have put roughly a quarter of the U.S. population under a heat advisory. The National Weather Service predicts that the South, Southwest, and South Florida will continue to be engulfed by the extreme heat.

According to a New York Times analysis, over 70 million people across the country are currently facing dangerous levels of heat. The highest temperature ever recorded on Earth was 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 Celsius) in Death Valley, California, in 1913.

Furnace Creek, located in Death Valley, reached a scorching temperature of 126 degrees on Sunday, with the mercury climbing even higher to 122.6 degrees on Monday afternoon. The Weather Service warns of record-breaking heat expected in Texas to the lower Mississippi Valley this week.

South Florida is also experiencing high temperatures, with the heat index expected to approach 105 to 110 degrees. Travaris Dotson, a worker in Coral Gables, seeks shade and drinks water to beat the heat. Raul Roque, a project manager, copes with the drought-like conditions by drinking an increased amount of water.

Extreme heat can be life-threatening, especially for individuals with preexisting health conditions. Phoenix has already reported 12 heat-related deaths and is investigating 40 additional cases where heat may be a contributing factor. Texas has also recorded a significant number of heat-related deaths. The coming days will see the highest temperatures in the Southwest desert, with highs reaching the 110s and lows remaining in the 80s and 90s.

To stay safe during this heatwave, the Weather Service advises staying hydrated, staying in cool environments, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and checking on vulnerable individuals like elderly neighbors and relatives. Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is also recommended.

Apart from the heat, other regions in the country are experiencing severe weather alerts, particularly for heavy rain. Pennsylvania and Long Island have already witnessed heavy rainfall and flash flooding, causing fatalities and car accidents. New York Governor Kathy Hochul warns of the unstable weather conditions that can quickly turn dangerous.

In addition, smoke from Canadian wildfires is expected to affect air quality in parts of the Northern High Plains, the Midwest, the Great Lakes, and the Northeast.