Temperatures in excess of 50 degrees Celsius have been forecast for the weekend in California’s Death Valley, which is notorious for its incredible heat. “Valley of Death” also holds the world record for the hottest place on Earth. Death Valley National Park reports on its website that on July 10, 1913, 134 °F (56.7 °C) was recorded there.
About an hour and a half drive from Las Vegas (Nevada), Death Valley is the hottest, driest place and one of the lowest places in the United States at 86 meters below sea level. The size of the narrow basin contributes significantly to the temperature, as the steep hills around it radiate heat back into the valley. In addition, clean and dry air and sparse plant growth ensure that the ground is warm enough.
In the casino city of Las Vegas, where 37 degrees Celsius would be normal at this time of year, temperatures could exceed 44 degrees over the weekend, forecasters have warned.
The sweltering heat, normally in inland California, is now set to hit coastal areas as well. There, the air coming from the Pacific usually provides the coolness. For example, in the coastal city of Santa Barbara, there is now an “extreme” heat warning. The city has converted many libraries into air-conditioned refrigeration centers where people can take shelter from the heat.
Governor Newsom warned of disruptions in energy supply and called on residents of the most populous US state to save electricity, for example by not setting their air conditioning to a minimum temperature. When summer heat is high, air conditioning systems typically run at full blast, which can lead to intermittent “blackouts” with hiccups. Then the electricity is completely switched off for a short time in different districts.
The risk of forest fires is also increasing. After nearly rainless summers, many areas of California are severely scorched and highly flammable. Scientists take it for granted that the climate crisis is exacerbating extreme weather events such as drought and heat, which contribute to more violent wildfires. At temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius, nearly 400 firefighters fought a so-called “root fire” north of Los Angeles on Thursday. Officials said 550 buildings in the fire area were threatened by the flames.
Newsom said Wednesday that the threat of extreme heat is a reminder of how “real” the climate crisis is. He called for “urgent action” to end dependence on climate-damaging fossil fuels. On Thursday night, California’s parliament passed a comprehensive climate protection package with billions in investments, for example in renewable energy, electric vehicles and tackling drought. From the year 2035, the state wants to allow only emissions-free new cars, California wants to be climate-neutral by 2045.
The legislative package also stipulates that California’s last remaining nuclear power plant will continue to operate until 2030. Democrat Newsom initially supported plans to close the Diablo Canyon reactor by 2025, but then backed it so as not to jeopardize the state’s energy supply. Environmentalists had demanded the closure of the plant. (SDA/DPA)
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Nation World News is the fastest emerging news website covering all the latest news, world’s top stories, science news entertainment sports cricket’s latest discoveries, new technology gadgets, politics news, and more.
Contact us: contact@nationworldnews.com
© Copyright 2021 Nation World News All Right Reserved.