The Western United States continued to bake this week, with cities and entire counties across Central California and parts of Utah under excessive heat warnings and advisories.
Intense temperatures like those experienced in recent days have led to an increase in heat-related deaths. An estimated 200 people, most of them homeless, sick or older, died in a heat wave that gripped Oregon and Washington State two weeks ago — one that scientists say would have been virtually impossible without climate change.
The National Weather Service warned residents of the hottest areas to beware of throbbing headaches, nausea and lost consciousness from heatstroke or exhaustion.
“Heat-related illness can sneak up on you,” the service tweeted. “Know the signs.”
