SEATTLE (AP) – A significant heat wave affected residents across the Western United States, with temperatures soaring to alarming levels and resulting in hospitalizations. The heat wave was expected to persist throughout the weekend, impacting states such as Washington, Oregon, Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona.
Approximately 1.2 million individuals found themselves under extreme heat risk, where temperatures were anticipated to remain excessively high without relief overnight. The Tucson, Arizona region faced the greatest threat, with the National Weather Service (NWS) projecting temperatures to reach between 102 and 107 degrees Fahrenheit (39 and 42 degrees Celsius). Several areas in inland Southern California were also under severe heat warnings.
Beyond the extreme heat alerts, around 18.6 million people across the nation were categorized as being under major heat risk. This broad designation posed potential hazards for workers and anyone lacking access to regular cooling and hydration, with Miami also feeling the impact of the heat.
On August 22, Portland, Oregon recorded a record high temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 Celsius) according to preliminary data. If verified, this would surpass the previous record of 98 degrees Fahrenheit (36.7 Celsius) for that date, established in 1942, according to the NWS.
Among those affected by the suffocating heat were long-distance runners participating in Portland’s annual Hood to Coast relay race. The race spans from Mt. Hood to the Pacific Ocean and experienced disruptions when at least one runner, part of a team of athletes over 50, collapsed after four miles (6.4 kilometers). David Loftus recounted his disorientation after passing the baton and remarked that a stranger intervened to catch him before he fell.
When Loftus regained consciousness, he was greeted by an ambulance on the scene. A writer and amateur actor from Portland, Loftus had taken measures to stay hydrated and cooled down prior to his race segment, yet it was insufficient. He was subsequently held for observation at a hospital overnight but was ultimately able to recover.
Concurrent with Loftus's race segment, an extreme heat emergency notice was issued for Portland and the surrounding areas. This uptick in temperatures led to an increase in emergency room visits and 911 calls. Brendon Haggerty from the Multnomah County Health Department noted a dramatic rise in urgent care needs, stating that while they typically see one or no visits, there were 16 that day, with six being Hood to Coast participants.
In June 2021, Portland recorded an unprecedented high of 116 degrees Fahrenheit (46 Celsius) during a heat wave that tragically resulted in over 100 fatalities. Most of those affected lived alone, with a significant majority being over the age of 60, although the youngest recorded victim was only 37 years old.
In summary, the continuing heat wave poses a serious health risk across the Western U.S., leading to hospitalizations and heightened emergency care demands as temperatures reach record highs.
