Key Facts Of The Day 6/10

Hurricanes

• This weekend, in areas along the periphery of the heat dome in the Southwest, complexes of severe thunderstorms are likely to develop each afternoon into the overnight.
  • There is potential for storms with high winds, hail, and torrential rainfall to barrel across several states. 
• The National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio has confirmed four tornadoes in the area on Wednesday, the strongest of which struck in Miami County.
• Climate-driven flooding poses well water contamination risks.
  • While many private wells provide safe water, the absence of regulation and treatment afforded by larger municipal systems may expose some users to health risks, from bacteria and viruses to chemicals and lead

Wildfires

• As of Friday, there are currently 24 large active wildfires that have burned 776,748 across AK, AZ, NM, TX, and UT. As of Friday, 29,050 wildfires have burned 2,083,238 acres across the country.
• In Alaska, 18 fires have burned 109,371 acres as of Friday.
• In Arizona, 1 fire has burned 1,092 acres as of Friday.
• In New Mexico, 3 fires have burned 664,707 acres as of Friday.
  • The Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire has burned 318,599 acres and is 65% contained as of Friday.
  • The Black Fire has burned 297,418 acres and is 45% contained as of Friday.
• In Texas, 1 fire has burned 978 acres as of Friday.
• In Utah, 1 fire has burned 600 acres as of Friday.
• Southern California preparing for ‘hotter, drier’ wildfire season amid workforce shortages.

Extreme Heat

• 42 million people are under heat watches and warnings in the Southwest into the weekend as a heat dome strengthens over the region.
  • Temperatures are forecast to climb into the 110s degrees in Phoenix through Sunday, with the National Weather Service warning of “very high heat risk” and cautioning the heat will be excessive “even by local standards.”
  • In Death Valley, temperatures could reach or exceed 120 degrees for the first time this year, tying or breaking daily records there.
  • The heat extends into California where triple-digit temperatures are forecast in Sacramento for the next three days, making outdoor labor especially dangerous.
  • Overall in the U.S., overnight low temperatures have been increasing faster than daytime highs, and when the overnight temperature remains particularly warm it can be hard for the human body to cool down and get relief. 
    • This increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, which can be fatal.
  • Urban residents and those without air conditioning are at the greatest risk.
  • Dry soils from the global warming-related megadrought in the region will help send temperatures soaring.
• The Department of Health and Human Services report of Climate and Health Outlook found that for June–August 2022 the average temperature will be 1.8 to 3.6 degrees above-normal for most of the continental United States.
  • Several groups of people are at particular risk, including the elderly who live alone, those in rural areas, people with poor access to health care, those who work outdoors, and individuals living in urban settings with poor tree cover, among others.
  • Spikes in energy demand should be expected during the summer months as air conditioning use increases.
  • Extreme heat can cause a myriad of health issues, including increased risk of hospitalization for heart disease, increased risks of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, worsening asthma, respiratory diseases, and dehydration.
  • Violence, crime, and suicide may increase with temperature, adding to the rates of depression and anxiety already associated with climate change.
  • Of the 132 counties identified as having more than five expected extreme heat days in the month of June, the majority have a high number of residents without health insurance.
• A shortage of chili peppers due to drought is limiting Huy Fong Foods’ ability to produce several Sriracha Hot Chili Sauces.
• The “megadrought” strangling the western United States is the driest period in 1,200 years, but a new federal study suggests it could get worse.
• The study found that centuries ago the Colorado River Basin suffered an even drier period than the 22-year drought now underway.

New Reports And Data

• A June 2022 report found that for June–August 2022 the average temperature will be 1.8 to 3.6 degrees above-normal for most of the continental United States.
• A June 2022 study found that two major glaciers in the West Antarctic Ice Sheet are losing ice at the fastest rate for at least 5,500 years.
• A June 2022 study found that the Gulf of Maine is warmer and North Atlantic water is coming in and changing the foundation of the Gulf’s food web.