Topline
In the past eight days, nine individuals have tragically lost their lives in Webb County, Texas due to heat-related illnesses. The state has been experiencing scorching temperatures, leading to record power usage and heat alerts for nearly 90 million people across the country.
An electric generator field is seen at the Austin Energy/Sand Hill Energy Center in Austin, Texas. The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings and advisories in response to extreme temperatures, with the southwestern region of the state reaching a record-breaking heat index of 120 degrees. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
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Key Facts
During a commissioners court meeting on Monday, Webb County Medical Examiner Dr. Corinne Stern confirmed that the heat wave had claimed the lives of nine individuals in the border county.
The city of Laredo, located in Webb County, tied its previous record high of 115 degrees on June 19, as reported by the National Weather Service.
While the Texas power authority has assured residents of sufficient energy supply to prevent blackouts, they have urged people to reduce power usage if possible.
Crucial Quote
“We don’t usually experience this level of heat in our county. Laredo and Webb County are familiar with high temperatures, but this heat wave caught us off guard. We need to take extra precautions due to the rising heat indexes,” said Dr. Stern during the commissioners’ meeting.
What To Watch For
The National Weather Service tweeted on Wednesday morning that dangerous heat will persist in South Texas throughout the coming week, with daily temperatures ranging from 90 to 105 degrees. Heat indices in the afternoons are expected to reach between 108 and 116 degrees.
Key Background
Following recent power outages caused by the heat, stifling temperatures have enveloped the southern United States. As of Monday morning, power outages affected over 200,000 people in Oklahoma, 85,000 in Texas, 80,000 in Louisiana, 45,000 in Mississippi, 30,000 in Arkansas, and 15,000 in Alabama. Texas has faced challenges with its independent power grid due to extreme heat, severe storms, and tornadoes in recent years. This extreme weather comes after a series of storms claimed lives in the Texas Panhandle, Mississippi, and Florida. Additionally, thunderstorms and heat have disrupted travel along the East Coast, leading to numerous flight cancellations.
Surprising Fact
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 600 Americans die each year from extreme heat. Many of these deaths are preventable and impact athletes, low-income households, individuals with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers, young children, and the elderly disproportionately.
Further Reading
9 deaths in 8 days attributed to unprecedented heat in Texas county, medical examiner says (CNN)
Texas grid operator urges power conservation during heat wave (Reuters)
Austin, St. Paul And Miami Set Heat Records—Here Are The Record-Breaking Cities This Summer (Forbes)
How To Stay Safe During Extreme Heat: Protecting Against Dehydration, Heat Stroke And Heat (Forbes)
Hundreds Of Thousands Without Power In Record-Breaking Southern Heat Wave (Forbes)
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