Record-Breaking Heatwave Hits Western US, Canada: Millions Under Heat Alerts

The western United States and Canada are experiencing a heatwave that could break over 50 high-temperature records through Monday.

Temperatures will be up to 25 degrees higher than normal, and Seattle could reach 90 degrees, the earliest on record. Portland could also see four consecutive days of record-breaking temperatures in the 90s, as reported by CNN.

A high-pressure system over the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia is causing offshore winds to spike temperatures above average.

Approximately 12 million people in the US, including those in western Washington, western Oregon, northern California, and the San Joaquin Valley, are under heat alerts.

According to the National Weather Service office in Hanford, California, temperatures are predicted to start in the mid-to-high 90s tomorrow and continue throughout the next week. The warmest days are expected to be Sunday and Monday, with temperatures reaching the high 90s and possibly even triple digits for the first time this year.

The hot temperatures could lead to melting snow in higher elevations, resulting in high rivers and streams that could flood.

The Canadian weather agency, Environment Canada, has issued a special weather statement warning of the extreme temperatures for portions of British Columbia and Alberta, where temperatures could reach up to 25 to 30 degrees above normal, making the ongoing wildfire problem even worse.

Wildfires in Canada Remain Concern Amid Rising Temperatures

Smoke from the ongoing wildfires in Alberta has blanketed many parts of Canada and some regions in the United States.

As of Thursday, there are 75 active wildfires in Alberta, with 23 of them considered out of control per the BBC.

The start of May usually marks the beginning of wildfire season in the area, but the current level of activity is uncommon.

With temperatures expected to rise sharply in the coming days, there are worries about more fires breaking out.

The smoke from the wildfires has traveled far eastward, reaching Quebec and Ontario down to the US-Canada border, as evidenced by images taken by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

King Charles III, who recently ascended to the throne, expressed his and Queen Camilla's deep concern over the wildfires ravaging communities in Western Canada, Global News reported.

In a statement, King Charles expressed his condolences to individuals who had lost their homes, places of business, and other assets in addition to being evacuated. The first responders and volunteers who had been putting in countless hours to put out the flames while helping their neighbors and towns were also praised by the King.

Tags

Weather, Wildfires, United States, Canada, Climate change, Heat