The south of the United States of America has been suffering from a heat wave for three weeks that makes it increasingly dangerous for the local population. The North American Weather Service explains that the long-lasting effects of high temperatures are serious, especially as temperatures remain high overnight, without cooler periods.
The states of Arizona, Alabama and Texas exceeded 46ºC in some areas, but weather forecasts predict that the patch of heat will extend to the south as of Wednesday.
In this sense, the US authorities are advising the population to drink a lot of fluids, stay at home or in places with air conditioning, and take care of the most fragile.
Several deaths are being investigated, due to supposed correlations with the heat felt in the region. In Big Bend National Park, Texas, two people died Monday: a 14-year-old boy and his stepfather. In the same place, a hiker died last Friday. The week before, a mail carrier collapsed while delivering mail in Dallas and died at the hospital.
In addition, extreme heat is hampering the distribution of electricity and producers are asking customers to limit the use of air conditioners as much as possible, as the electrical grid could collapse.
The roads are also being affected by the temperatures. Houston authorities received multiple requests to repair cracks and potholes in the roads.
Organizations like the Red Cross are managing air-conditioned spaces where homeless people without air conditioning are suggested to go. The Houston Animal Society also said it found 12 dead cats and a dog in an abandoned apartment.
Source: TSF
