The United States is currently facing a severe heatwave comparable to those in many European countries. Several states have declared measures to respond as temperatures and heat index values continue to rise ahead of the US Independence Day on July 4.
In New York City, authorities have issued a heat advisory covering the city and nearby states, while many people have gone to relax and cool off at Coney Island beach.
Forecasters predict that throughout this week, the apparent temperature will range from about 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or approximately 32 to 38 degrees Celsius, with the hottest conditions expected on Wednesday and Thursday.
Meanwhile, weather agencies have warned that heatwaves are the deadliest natural disasters in the United States when compared to other types of weather-related catastrophes.
In Nashville, Tennessee, emergency management officials have been dispatched to distribute cold drinking water, beverages, and ice, while monitoring the health of those vulnerable to the heat, especially the homeless living outdoors.
Logan King, 29, who lives in a wooded area behind a shopping mall, said that although he camps under the shade of trees, inside his tent it becomes unbearably hot. He added that the officials distributing cold water have been a great help.
Mike Russell, an official from Nashville’s emergency management office, said the agency will launch "Heat Patrol" operations immediately when the heat index exceeds 103 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Officials will patrol areas where homeless people stay to distribute cold water and frozen bottles to apply to their necks to lower body temperature, as well as monitor symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can be life-threatening.
In recent days, most areas of Nashville have seen heat index forecasts ranging between 101 and 114 degrees Fahrenheit, or approximately 38 to 46 degrees Celsius.
The situation in the United States coincides with severe heatwaves affecting many European countries, where health warnings have been issued and people are advised to avoid outdoor activities during daytime. This reflects the widespread impact of heatwaves in various world regions, raising concerns about the safety of vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and the homeless, who are at high risk of heat-related illness and death.
:AP
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