Heat-related alerts spanned parts of 14 states on Thursday, with the National Weather Service (NWS) warning of “dangerously hot conditions” in some areas.
In Phoenix, Arizona, temperatures were set to break records for the second consecutive day according to forecasters, after Wednesday saw the city break a temperature record set in 1995.
Why It Matters
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), extreme heat can trigger heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations such as older adults, young children, and those with certain medical conditions.
Symptoms may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, dizziness, and nausea. The CDC notes that extreme heat contributes to more than 700 deaths annually across the U.S…