Millions of Americans Have Never Been This Hot in October Before as a Historic Heat Wave Hits
Millions of people in the western United States are experiencing a dangerous and historic October heatwave with temperatures reaching levels typically associated with the height of summer. The heatwave has set numerous records, with over 125 locations from the West Coast to the Rocky Mountains either equalling or surpassing previous October temperature records.
On Tuesday, Palm Springs recorded a sweltering 117 degrees, tying the all-time highest October temperature for the entire United States. Phoenix also set a record high for any October day, hitting 113 degrees, marking the hottest October day in the city’s history. San Francisco experienced its warmest day in two years, reaching 94 degrees on Tuesday.
The heatwave is not confined to the Southwest and California; numerous cities in Colorado, including Denver, have also experienced record-setting October temperatures. Denver matched its all-time October record on Wednesday with a high of 89 degrees, the warmest it has been this late in the year.
The National Weather Service has extended excessive heat alerts for areas near major cities, including Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. High temperatures in parts of Arizona, California, and Nevada are expected to be 10 to 25 degrees above normal, posing significant health risks and increasing concerns about fire starts.
